Absolutely and completely amazing. Everyone should watch it, buy it and watch again. A fantastic film and makes you think.
The story starts from a kid called Daniel being asked to write an assignment called American History X, all about the effect his brother has had on his life and the social relevance of him in contemporary America. His brother, Derek, was a known racist activist in their town who had been sent to prison for shooting a black man who was breaking into his car.
Whilst writing the assignment he talks to the recently released Derek about his time in prison, and the effect it had on him. Daniel has always idealised his brother and also took on the same views. He spent the time while Derek was in prison trying to carry on his brothers legacy of “white power”.
This is an incredibly hard hitting film, which tackles all the issues it addresses with great sensitivity and honesty. The scenes showing the fights between the blacks and whites can be a bit graphic but they don’t step over the line enough for it to become an unnecessary display, just something to make you think. The scene of sexual violence is also approached appropriately and sensitively.
When I first switched it on I thought that the colour on my TV was going dodgy cos it was in black and white and my video had colour pictures. Turns out it was a very symbolic use of colour. The present day (when Dan is writing the paper) is shown in colour as the time he was then living in is accepting of more differences so they don’t become an issue. When Derek is still in prison, and the instances before then are shown in black and white. I thought this might be something to do with the fact that Derek’s world is based on blacks being bad and whites needing to exert their power over them. He is unable to see the world in colour only the black white divide, which does work well.
There were points in the film where I did feel ashamed to be white as I know that there are some people I share my race with who would have done and said the things that came out of Derek’s mouth. However there is more to it. It’s more about the affect of family ideals on the life of the child and betrayal of those you expect to be loyal to you for whatever reason.
I was surprised to see Monica’s Dad from friends making an appearance as Derek’s mother’s Jewish lover, and the nasty witch from the craft as Derek’s girlfriend. Sorry but I’m no good with names, so you’ll have to get the actor names for yourself!
Overall I think that you’d be a fool to miss it. If you’ve got any spare cash and you haven’t yet seen it, get down the shops and buy it. Definitely worth every penny, and then some. Also. if you’re HMV is having the sale that’s where I got it for £4.99. It’s worth a lot more than this so grab it while you can.
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American History X [1999]
Perhaps the highest compliment you can pay to Edward Norton is that his Oscar-nominated
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performance in American History X nearly convinces you that there is a shred of logic in the tenets of white supremacy. If that statement doesn't horrify you, it sh...
American History X [1999]
Perhaps the highest compliment you can pay to Edward Norton is that his Oscar-nominated
... more
performance in American History X nearly convinces you that there is a shred of logic in the tenets of white supremacy. If that statement doesn't horrify you, it sh...
very helpful
