American History X (Wide Screen) > Reviews > Good solid film

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Liked it
Story	Good
Characters / Performances	Good
Special Effects	Standard
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	Strong Drama
Disadvantages:	Gruesome in parts

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Edward Norton and Edward Ferlong star in this, quite horrific, film about one man's love for his family and his fight against the rage within himself. The plot of the film is this: Edward Norton is the leader of a white power gang in LA. One night a group of blacks try to steal his car and he kills 2 of them and goes to prison for 3 years. During this time in prison he changes his views due to a series of events and experiences (some of which are quite gruesome). He is released from prison only to find his younger brother, to his dismay, is fast becoming a heavy part of the same gang. I liked this film a lot. It is deep and meaningful and it leaves you shocked. Some of the violence depicted in the film is quite nasty and it will make you cringe if nothing else. Norton is fantastic and is now becoming one of my favourite actors, especially after "Fight Club" and also "The People Vs. Larry Flint". He is a very versatile actor and has the ability to flick between characters seamlessly. Though this is not exactly an uplifting, happy film, it makes you think and it will leave you silent at the end, which to me makes a film great. You will definitely enjoy this film...just as long as you are not too sqeemish!