User Reviews

A sick-minded film for its sick-minded audience. A couple of the scenes in this film are beyond what cinema should be. But that's probably why so many sick-minded people like it.

너무 간단하고 당연한 그 하나로,우리의 생각은 아주 많이 멀어질 수 있다.분노한 열정이 생각을 만나면,이 거리는 상당히 위험해진다.200221 (4.0)-1. 폭력은 폭력을 부른다.2. 사상이 얼마나 쉽게 컨트롤되고 얼마나 무섭게 잔인한지...3. 에드워드 펄롱, 터미네이터 꼬마의 미모를 여기서 한번 더... 원조 퇴폐미소년 이었던 듯.4. "그래서 그게 니 삶을 나아지게 했지?"

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

American History X is actually a very special film for me. The fact that the film shows the past in black and white and the present in color is not just an artistic design, but a rare case that touches on two different aspects of the story. The assessment of the black-white conflict in America at that time through the magnificent character of Derek Vinyard and his surroundings has created a wonderful story. The film actually wants to convey important messages and does so well. On the other hand, the story flow is also quite beautiful. Some black-and-white scenes are very iconic, the character transformation is beautifully done, and factors like this are pleasing. There are a few aspects I find lacking, but to avoid spoilers, suffice it to say that while the character development of some people is very good, the development of some important characters is rushed. Additionally, some characters, despite being generally very important, don't seem to carry that weight. However, overall, I can say it's a truly magnificent film. For me, watching it repeatedly is a bit challenging because of its heavy political atmosphere and gloominess. This makes rewatching it difficult for me. However, it is undoubtedly a masterpiece.

This is a movie about racism, class warfare, and American identity in the 21st century. It's very gritty and brutal at times, which is understandable, but it dares to go places that most other shallow films shy away from, making it truly unique and well worth watching.

Very good movie. I really liked the redemption arc of Derek. The cast was terrific and I could feel the bond between Derek and Danny. I really like the point of the movie.

That's great. I was hooked right from the start. It's a brave film, and I liked that. I really liked the way the black and white and color scenes changed and then everything started to make more and more sense as time went on. I thought it wrapped up nicely in the finale, and I was satisfied when it was over, and it was a good show in my opinion.

American history x is incridible movie, but the note is why the movie is very simple, but very, really very good

A master-piece altough they tried to sell the character as a boomer

A movie far more relevant today than the time it was made in. A cautionary tale about divisive collectivism and the fallout of that hate even after redemption.

A work that will make you wish that hatred, anger and hatred would disappear. It is not a simple propaganda movie. It is a realistic and impressive story. Cinematography, music and a stunning ending. A script in which Edward Norton is a giant.

There's really no point to the movie. Just a lot of violence. That's pretty much it.

----------------------------------8.4/10-----------------------------------

I really enjoyed this movie. Launched in 1998, it remains extremely current and relevant today, in the midst of a world where hatred and intolerance seem to have settled in to stay. I'm not just talking about the ****, but about so many others who hate each other for the most diverse and, not infrequently, the most idiotic reasons. The film follows the path of two brothers in the **** world: Derek, the eldest, became the leader of the local gang, formed to resist what they considered to be an invasion of their neighborhood by blacks, Latinos and other races. It turns out that he ended up killing, in cold blood, two blacks, and was arrested for it, leaving his younger brother Danny lost and confused. When he gets out of prison, he finds that his brother has followed in his footsteps and is now being indoctrinated to become just like him, even writing an essay laden with **** doctrine for a black teacher at his school... but prison changes people, and Derek no longer follows those ideas. Therefore, he decides to collaborate with the teacher and the authorities, and try to prevent his brother from becoming a person as violent and harmful as he is. Directed by Tony Kaye, the film was produced under the sign of discord, with constant fights in which the director opposed the revisions and changes demanded by the actors to their material and ideas. Things got to the point where the director wanted to give up, and see the name removed from the credits! Personally, and after seeing the film, I feel the direction is not safe and the film doesn't seem to know where to go at times. The script, in turn, brings us a powerful family drama and addresses tough, pertinent and current issues, such as the breakdown of the family, local neighborhood communities, illegal immigration, hatred between races and religions. The script even manages to avoid portraying **** in a simplistic and one-dimensional way, as fanatical beasts without any humanity, as other films would have done. Even so, it is a simple narrative, sometimes undeveloped, in which some details sound far-fetched. One of the less developed and most important points of the film is the story of Derek in prison: it is inconceivable that such an indoctrinated and fanatical individual could radically change with so little. The cast is very good and, without a doubt, one of the strengths of the film. Edward Norton proved to have made the right choice when he decided to star in this film instead of being just another actor in "Saving Private Ryan". The film is perfect for him, and the changes that he made to the material he received allowed him to improve the character, smooth the edges and make the fruit of his work even more mature and juicy. The actor is exceptionally good, I've said it on other occasions, and this film shows, once again, his talent. Next to him is Edward Furlong, a young and promising actor who, as we know, never took off. He's good, and he shows us that, even in a movie where the character is relatively minor in the plot. Stacy Keach appears little, but manages to appear menacing and subversive. Beverly D' Angelo is good, but she got a blank character and Avery Brooks limited herself to what she had to do and her character sounds, well, amorphous and uninteresting. Also noteworthy were the honorable appearances of Fairuza Balk (in yet another slightly eccentric character) and Ethan Suplee. Technically, it's a film with many points of value in its favor, starting right away with a good filming and cinematography job. The use of black and white to differentiate all flashbacks worked perfectly, even though it sometimes makes the film too dark and seems to me to have been overused. The makeup work, particularly Norton, allows him to assume a younger, aggressive and physically tough face and attitude in the flashback scenes, making a good counterpoint to the portrait of maturity and awareness that the actor brings to us after his character leaves from prison. The sets were really well done, particularly Derek's room with all those **** props. The visual, special and sound effects work well and the soundtrack, signed by Anne Dudley, sounds good, although it is very similar to thousands of other movie soundtracks out there.

This movie was way ahead of its time when it was released, as it discusses topics such as the **** movement and racism in the United States, which is still prevalent today. Tony Kaye does a great job in telling this story and discussing these topics, although it may not have turned out the way he intended to. Edward Norton arguably delivers the best performance in his entire career and it's such a shame that he didn't win an Oscar for it, and Edward Furlong also does a great job in his role. I also love how the film tells its story in a non-linear sequence, as it utilizes the black and white cinematography to showcase the flashbacks and cuts between the past and the present. There are some gruesome violent and sex scenes that I found it a bit hard to watch, but it doesn't take away from the experience. A must see classic that still remains relevant today and will go on to become one of the greatest films ever made.

Edward Norton is the best part of this movie, his character grows so much throughout the film as he abandons his racist past to help his younger brother. This is truly a must-watch and a masterpiece.

Really loved the message and performance by Norton, but I feel like there's something missing in the script which makes it too simple. Even though I can't explain myself how the critics give it such a low rating

This is one of the best movies, I have ever watched. It was such a nice and different experience. Edward Norton's acting was masterful such that you can understand every little pain he felt and caused. His smile and manner switching before and after was so distinguishing. Movie's cinematography was also amazing; both black and white phase were amazing. The film ran smoothly and hands off to the director for making this movie such a gem along with shocking and unexpected ending. At last, I can say that you can watch this movie anytime.

If one fine morning we discovered that from now on all people are one nation, one faith and one race, then even before dinner we would have invented new prejudices. George Aiken If you haven't thought about serious things for a long time, watch this movie. There will be many thoughts at once

American History X is pretty much about this lad called Derek (Edward Norton) who's served three years in prison for a hate crime. Since he's got out of prison, he wants to try and change the thoughts on which his brother Danny (Edward Furlong) is having. The reason for this is so, that his brother Danny, doesn't follow the same path on what he did and what it did to him. The movie's got some outstandingly good acting from all of the cast especially from Edward Norton, this might be his best performance yet. There's lots of dark and racist moments which end up happening throughout this movie and it shows what racism can be really like around the world. Also, the moral which this movie's got is honestly well shown and it's about how bad racism really is and how violence begets violence and how it can effect someone. The flashback which Derek has in prison shows us what he experienced and how he had great character development when he came out of prison. Overall, American History X is a great movie. The movie's got a brilliant story, some brilliant acting, some very strong and graphic scenes, a great moral and it shows a lot about racism.

This title, Black and White politics has two dimensions in its context. The first one simply points out the racist drawings about the Black and white people in America and the second one recalls us that the Black & white period were people who seem to be colorless. American History X is none other than that. The subject is so strong and it has its world appeal. It looks familiar not only in America but also in the entire world. Racism and important topic which was talked, discussed and rectified (up to a mark) all-time ago but it has its significance in these times also. We are unable to eradicate it. And that core element swings through each and everyone which indirectly points to secularism and the shut down of secularist vision. Racism has strong roots nowadays also. When it comes to the film, mainly it revolves around the character of Norton, his subjective consequences, and his mind stage from wrong to right and his relieving part. In the end, there comes another beginning of the circle where he carries his brother's shot dead body. The politics is just between black and white similarly it was the politics in between right and wrong.

This film is not exactly reflecting the time or place I live in but it doesn't matter because the film explains it very clear. The film is a very interesting story about the trouble of the American society, which is of course very sad and unfortunately but is an important concern. The film's character, Derek, is a very well constructed character, and at least I can sort of understand his opinion and thoughts through the film, and while his opinion changes, mine starts to shift too and I start thinking my self, its a cool happening, with lack of a better word, and caught me off guard. The film is very well done and doesn't have many bad scenes, I think the characters and their personality is fantastically done and acted, they were super realistic. This film has some really tough, powerful, violent scenes which I as a teenager liked, but It also had some emotional and sentimental scenes which I also really liked. I feel like both of these elements were very important elements for the film. American History X got allot of wise life advice and really left you thinking, and that's how you know that it's a good movie.

I was indulged into the movie from start to finish and I could feel the emotions, from fear, disgust, to anger. And the killing scene literally made me wet with sweat as I could really feel what Danny was feeling. This movie was an experience that I will not forget anytime soon.

If it wasn't for the violence this would seem like an after school special from the old days, despite its cinematic pretensions. Granted, the acting and cinematography were great, as was the conceit of having the story told by the younger brother, but the didacticism of the movie and its persistent homoeroticism (which, don't get me wrong, I love a good-looking man, but it did get a bit tedious) coupled with a simplistic plot, kept the movie from reaching its potential.

Insanely Great American History X is powerfully directed, Shows the horrors of ****, Amazing performances from Norton and Furlong, and a terrific script.

Seriously one of the best movies ever made. It's a different kind of movie. It's not one you want to watch over and over. It's horrible in its depiction of hate but the redemption story is something to behold.

Con esta película me pasa algo curioso, y es que siempre había oído hablar maravillas de ella. He aquí mi error: esperaba mucho más de lo que me ofreció. Es una película muy buena, con unas interpretaciones de quitarse el sombrero y una trama seria y adulta, pero me parece bastante sobrevalorada. El final lo ví venir como a los 20 minutos de metraje, no es broma. Se me hizo un poco pesada y lenta en algunos puntos, pero sigue siendo muy disfrutable. Recomendada.

A dramatic movie which give us a look in the american skinhead scene but doesn't forget the humans behind their story.

American History X has one of the most compelling stories I've seen in movies in a while. It's a gut-wrenching, and heartbreaking story. But Tony Kaye's powerful and challenging direction is what made the movie so provocative. The movie also proves that Edward Norton has a huge talent that, unfortunately, has been wasted. Norton delivered the performance of his career in this movie. A performance that elevated the entire movie. While Derek Vinyard, Norton's character, has the most powerful lines in the movie, they wouldn't have been as powerful as they are without Edward Norton's staggering delivering. Also, Edward Norton's performance may be the only thing that remained sharp and solid throughout the whole movie. Because aside from Norton's riveting and smart monologues, the dialogue in this movie, especially at the first two acts, is so weak and often cheesy! The things got better at the last act but at that time I was wondering why the dialogue wasn't that good most of the movie. It's really baffling because the movie needed badly to have a decent and strong dialogue from its beginning, considering its subject matter. The dialogue often was too on the nose and preachy while it should have served its already gripping story. That also made some scenes in the movie feel so awkward and heavy-handed. The dialogue isn't the only, or the biggest issue I've with American History X. As I think that everything related to the Neo **** gang is completely underdeveloped. All the characters of the members of this gang are one-dimensional characters. They are totally undeveloped and bland, and almost have no depth. Which is a shame because they play a pivotal part in the story. They are part of the main plot, so to speak. Besides that balancing between two contradictory aspects of the story, Tony Kaye with his mixture of black & white history contrasting with colorful reality is magic to absorb and shows this film up to be what it is. Smoothly moving camera in the scenes in Black and White that are set in the past to convey an unsettling feeling, and bleak and restrained colored scenes to match the dystopian-like present. American History X also has one of the most shocking endings ever. But its ambiguity is what makes it more dreadful. It's an ending that can make you question the protagonist's fate, and that's more than horrifying! (8/10)

American History X handles racism in such an incredible way. I'm watching in 2018, 20 years later, and, sadly, I feel like this movie could have been released these days. The cast is amazing, Edward Norton went incredibly well on his role, everything seems genuine, from the start to the end. This is, without any doubts, one of the best, and most important, movies I've ever seen.

With an impressively good performance by Edward Norton, a good and interesting script, interesting characters and an unpredictable and sad ending, American History X is a masterpiece of modern cinema.

Finally got to write a review for this great great movie. It's definitely emotional, touching, sad, but it was a great experience watching it. Amazing performances. The movie says, that a man can change, but actually there need to be a big factor for that to happen (like getting into prison, kidding). And there are always two sides of the story (the end). Of course, there where some unnecessary things. I promised to my boyfriend to mention it.. That little **** there in the bad room was totally unnecessary, like I laugh a lot to this 5cm hairy thing. :D

I loved this movie as a teenager. Rewatching it today I completely understand why it rates in the 60s. It's still enjoyable to watch and Ed Norton is great, but it's terribly overwrought in parts and unintentionally hilarious in others. The basketball scene is pure comedy!

American History x of beginning already cemeça with one of the best scenes already seen in black and white (spectacular), for me the whole movie would be like that, it was spectacular in this way, the soundtrack, although not remarkable, does an exceptional job, Delivery what is being proposed in the environment, fear and tension are examples; The script is able to deliver a great story, as the name already says: American History, in the simplest form is a film of American society, but in the way that some do not accept diversity, equality. Edward Norton is in one of the best jobs of his career (if not the best); The film at the beginning proposes an idea, but from a certain point it shows that it is there for something else, a beautiful work of a script well written, I have to praise the script and much; What a story, I swear that in the end it surprised me; Because although I already expected that I did not expect it that way, although there are colorful scenes that stand out even in black and white, I have already praised it once and I will continue to praise the way the black and white scenes became sensational, if The whole movie was in this way would only improve this great work that deserves to be recognized. At the end of it all that guy who people did not believe that would change changed and everything because he saw the other side of the coin, saw that all are equal and despite everything some day we can depend on that person we do not like, we hate and among them we One can see the trust and other things that we do not see in those we treat equally just because they are of the same color; American History x is a work of art and undoubtedly one of the best movies I have ever seen!

Le film est plutôt intéressant, surtout pour ses deux acteurs, tous deux très convaincants, Norton et Furlong respectivement dans leurs personnages de **** et **** junior. Sans oublier Stacy Keach bien sûr, tout aussi étonnant en "grand-père" (ou plutôt guide (!) ****). Le "parcours" de cette famille est fort bien retracé via nombre de retours en arrière, démontrant ainsi leurs "raisons" de recourir à une idéologie haineuse et raciste, jusqu'au "dérapage" de Norton le grand frère qui va tout remettre en question. Bizarrement tout de même, si le film insiste lourdement sur les conséquences d'une telle idéologie et ses dérives, son effet d'entraînement et leurs conséquences, il semble légitimer la violence des Noirs -racistes eux aussi- systématiquement, du début à la fin : deux poids, deux mesures ? En outre et enfin, le gros souci de cohérence du film concerne bel et bien l'attitude de Norton, **** radicalisé fou furieux qui se transforme en agneau du #vivre_ensemble après un séjour en taule un brin agité... C'est faire preuve d'une naïveté incroyable et nous prendre pour des imbéciles heureux ! on y croit pas une seconde et cette volte-face pathétique détruit du coup le personnage entier d'Edward Norton. Cela est fort regrettable, car le film montrait en fait assez bien l'engrenage de la haine et de la violence pour ne pas avoir à nous noyer dans l'aquarium du discours moralisateur à deux balles, très scolaire ici.

Шедевр! Фильм задевает несколько очень важных тем. Диалоги очень интересно слушать, местами было чуточку затянуто, но наплевать, ведь смотреть на Нортона - это сплошное удовольствие! Прекрасный актёр прекрасно сыграл, браво. Концовка тронула, слёзки наворачивались, но хорошо, что это не зелёная миля :) Замечательный шедевр, рекомендую!

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

American history X has a comic book quality with its iconic picture of Edward Norton(playing Derek Vinyard) topless with a shaved head, circle beard and a swastika prominent on his chest. He looks like a meanie. And he is. For the opening scene of the movie has him massacring a group of black Americans(can I write Negroes?) single handed. He is smart kid, we are told by Bob Sweeney, a black teacher who doesn't want to give up on the smart kids. Sweeney is wrong, of course. 'Smart 'doesn't describe it: the white dude is positively gifted. That is why he has that swastika on his chest. And can go Rambo on them gangsters. And shame them Negros by whipping their asses on their own turf: basketball. And is best in his class, reading Native Son. Stuff his dad disapproves of. It is negro shyte, dad tells son Derek. Yeah dad, he says even though he sounds somewhat unconvinced. Cause dad is right. And likely racist. Cause some black dudes got the jobs meant for the 'better' white men. But it all went to shyte when dad, a fireman, got killed by them brothers. So Norton shaves his head, grows a beard, tattoos his body, hangs up **** stuff in his room, and becomes a violent white power supremacist. Cause that is how it works. And it works the other way too.. Meet a good black man in jail that saves your butt: anti-violent, equal rights-for-all supporter. Flip switch one way: violent white racist bloke. Flip switch other way: negro loving correct dude. Jew hating fascist - liberal cheery guy. Gay bashing hater - tolerant respectful LGBT man. Racist redneck Klansman - multicultural equality hero. What was that again: false dichotomy? The tossed up eye candy - using things like black and white shots- can not hide that underneath all the visuals and emotionally laden scenes, well played as they are - Norton is marvelous - there is shockingly superficial story indeed. For what is American History X but the glib tale of white guy who goes bad for wrong reasons, repents and tries to redeem himself by rejecting his white supremacist past with a gesture that makes it look like it is as easy as taking of your coat? You just need to meet a good black man to see that black men can be good. As if the racists glasses come off that easily. As if racism is just being pissed at black men because a black man killed your father. But wait. In the end? Will Derek don that white supremacist coat again? The switch trembles. Bottom line. The cast is great, the cinematography well done, but the movie ****. Like biting in a burger to find out that the dog stole the meat. (It was the cat, of course. Cause them are smart buggers and frame the dogs.) Note: do not to forget to shave your head once you become a white supremacist. It is a thing. As a man of course: women stock up on combat boots, piercings and short hairstyles. And tattoos for all. At least there is some equality there.

American History X is just as everyone's been wanting since its release to theaters. Now in its way to home media, it's something unmissable for you and only you.

Truly great movie, really does depict racial tensions in america to this day (despite being made in 90s) Great acting,setting is great and it is also a really entertaining movie. One of the best

A well-made film that raises awareness of the harmful nature of hatred and the consequences of racism. (Note: It's violent, so I would not recommend it to all audiences.)

American History X is so ground breaking and ahead of its time. This film is considered controversial because of its content and its language but I feel that it is one of the most important films ever. Edward Norton may have but his best performance ever in this film and Edward Furlong manages to shine yet again at such a young age. I love every aspect in which the story is told, which is in a very unorthodox timeline but is very appropriate for the movie and the film splits between colour and black and white.

This movie is a must watch! Yes it's tough,rude and brutal at momments (no spoilers), but i can't deny this movie's amazing story and message to all people!

"American History X" is immensely relevant to modern audiences, perhaps now more than ever. A gritty and provocative drama that puts in graphic terms the dangers of racism and hatred, propelled to greatness by Edward Norton's mesmerising and powerful performance and his interplay with Edward Furlong is one of the most affecting pairings in film. And the ending is **** no matter how many times it's watched.

American History X is purely brilliant. It dispels and breaks down racism and prejudice without bashing it. Finally, a film that can convey a willingness to open oneself to new ideas, without writing off certain beliefs as taboo or evil. I can't say it doesn't take any side, but it certainly doesn't force any side on the viewer, and instead forces us to assert the situation as a whole. It's just an excellently directed and acted film in every way, and I think everyone should get the chance to witness what it has to offer.

American History X is one of the most shocking, brutal, disturbing and evil spirited films I've ever seen. Edward Norton gives an absolute masterclass and the two performances he gives either side of his characters transition are both incredibly captivating. There's no doubting how manipulative and pretentious this film can be. And at times the propaganda can even feel persuasively targeted at the audience. But to the films credit that's what makes it so compelling. And ultimately you cannot believe such evil, destructive & irrational people like this actually exist. Tony Kaye's overall direction is impressive and the black and white sequences in particular look stunning. American History X is certainly a tough film to enjoy but personally I think it's essential viewing and an incredibly bold piece of filmmaking.

Pese la interpretación de Norton y alguna escena interesante, la película dista de ser una obra maestra en mi opinión. Se sigue sin demasiado interés y acaba en un tramo final demasiado llano. Lo mejor es su fotografía y Norton, el resto es mejorable en mi opinión.

Just a masterpiece! A new point of view to racism with a worldwide message.Great acting by Norton.Fabulous ending. Really an underrated movie.With a worldwide message.A must see.

Now this is a great film. Yes, it is dark, violent, and quite disturbing at times, but it is also powerful, moving, and important. Edward Norton is absolutely phenomenal. He takes this deeply troubled character who comes to realize what is truly going on his life and he knocks it out of the park. He was terrific and put the film on his shoulders and absolutely killed it. The director, Tony Kaye, while he wishes to distance himself from the final product, he did a great job as well. There was some beautiful imagery here and while it may not be the version he intended as the final cut, his vision absolutely is here and the messages it provokes is still powerful. Really, after watching this film, I felt like I had been hit by a ton of bricks. The entire film is so moving and affecting that it really leaves you in a trance once it ends and the credits start rolling. On top of that, there are many powerful scenes, but none as powerful as the final one. It really leaves you on the brink of tears as you try to deal with what you just watched. A truly mesmerizing character study with a heart and soul, American History X should absolutely be considered a "must watch" for all.

A fantastic movie. This movie is tough to get through in the sense that there were many brutal violent or **** scenes that were really disturbing, but they were really well shot. The acting by Norton was phenomenal and the best performance of his career. I didn't think I was going to like this movie as much as I did but it was great. I love the style of the movie on how it was shot with some scenes being black and white and the rest in colour a great job.