American History X (Wide Screen) > Reviews

Advantages: Brilliant acting / brilliant plot
Disadvantages: Extremely Graphic

American History X is the provocative tale, which illustrates everything that is racism and everything that breeds from it as a consequence. From the illusive remarkable representations of hate due to colour and environment to the struggle and desperate outbursts of a fragile man backed into a corner by circumstance, American History X shows all. The story begins with the introduction of Derek, (Edward Norton ? Fight Club), in a vicious attempt ... Read review

Advantages: Great Plot. Superb Acting by Norton (HE WAS ROBBED!) Inspired casting
Disadvantages: A little bit too long

...press about a film called American History X. I twas showing at the uni cinema, so I decided to see it. I was blown away by the performances of the cast and was scared by the fact that there is that much hatred in the world. This isn’t prejudice against blacks: this is prejudicial against anyone who isn’t white protestant. It really is powerful stuff. The film is centred around Derek Vineyard (Norton), the leader of a white supremacist ... Read review

Advantages: Dangerous in its exposure of things that society would rather sweep under the carpet.
Disadvantages: May be too stark or harsh fo some people to view.

American History X is for me the story that embodies everything that is foul about racism. It is also a story about how the most savage of characters can be redeemed and brought back from a sociopathic precipice. The film begins with an introduction to Derek, an incredibly focussed and very clever white supremacist. Derek, played disturbingly well by Edward Norton, demonstrates the savagery imbued to him by his mentor Cameron in an attempt to protect ... Read review

Advantages: Ed Norton and Edward Furlong (mmmm, tasty!) seriosly, they are both really good actors, camera work, its on sale at Blockbuster Video for £10.
Disadvantages: extras section could be better, its a bit gruesome at times, very scary - although not in the conventional 'thriller' style.

Im baaaaaaack! Sorry about the lengthy delay between opinions - I’ve had a million and one a-levels to do. Well, 11 – only one left now so that means I have some time to do some opinions. One of the few interesting things I have done over the past 5 weeks is watch ‘American History X’ on DVD. Its an amazing film - insanely hard-hitting and shocking but at the same time watchable. It'll leave you questioning the mentality of ... Read review

Advantages: Great Drama.
Disadvantages: None!

...a bit of news surrounding American History X on it's release - ie. Director Tony Kaye wasn't allowed to release his own cut of the film, actor Ed Norton stepping into the editors room and releasing his own cut. We will never know quite what happened but I can safely say something - The version we have now is a brilliant film. It's a classic. ... Read review

Advantages: see text
Disadvantages: see text

...role as well. But in American History X be prepared to be shocked and horrified by the film and the horrors of the neo-nazi hate society ... Read review

Advantages: Well worth watching to raise awareness of issues within our society.
Disadvantages: Graphical nature of violence.

...racist thugs and neo-Nazidom within American society but also to launch Ed Norton into the high point of his career. The story is based upon the lives of what some might call a dysfunctional family in Venice Beach. Derrick Vinyard (Norton) and his brother, Danny (Furlong) whose perspective we see the film from, are the two lead characters in the film. Unfortunately for the viewer, the story is portrayed in an odd manner with the flashbacks which ... Read review

Advantages: Good acting. Good plot.
Disadvantages: Shows the harsh realities we have to deal with.

American History X, the new film by British TV and commercial director Tony Kaye. It is one of the more powerful movies made in recent years, one that will stay with you and have you thinking about it for days, even weeks. This is due in strong part to Edward Norton, whose performance is phenomenal. I am told that Gods & Monsters is a much better film but I cannot comment as I haven't seen it. Norton is Derek Vinyard, a leader of a Venice Beach ... Read review

Advantages: A powerful film from start to end
Disadvantages: Violence, swearing , racism

...re-write his essay for his American history X class, on his brother. When Derek comes out of prison things have changed. You realize that prison has changed him, and you find out what happened to him in prison to make him change his beliefs. Derek needs to help Danny get away from the violence and racism that he has gotten involved in since Derek was away. Edward Norton from films as Fight club, The Italian job and the score plays the role of ... Read review

Advantages: Shocking, emotional, powerful.
Disadvantages: Can alter your attitudes strongly.

...I view the world as American History X. The film tells the story of how racism could rule a man's life, his every thought and action, and then how this racism would destroy his entire life and the lives of those he loves, no matter how he tried to repay his sins. The man in the story is played by Edward Norton, in what I believe to be one of his greatest roles ever. His obscene hatred and anger as well as his compassion are portrayed with ... Read review

Advantages: Raises questions...
Disadvantages: ...You might not want to answer them.

Following the rehabilitation of a neo-nazi white supremist after his spell in jail for the racial murder of two men this is one of the most challenging films that i have encountered. Raising issues such as race relations, brotherly love, blind hero worship and brain washing of impressionable, bored teenagers, the film is an emotional avalanche. The disgust that Edward Norton can evoke is sensational, and he fills the screen with a presence that echoes ... Read review

Advantages: Emotional, clever and highly involving. Powerful.
Disadvantages: None.

American History X bravely attempts to tackle the delicate issue of racism in modern America, and succeeds. Unlike most films of today, it is an accurate portrayal of reality. Fight club was the only Edward Norton film I had seen previous to this, but I had no real idea as to the extents of his talents. However, this film is the classic it is partly thanks to the dramatic performances of both Norton and Edward Furlong. Norton is Derek, the leader ... Read review