American History X (DVD)

This movie focuses on an american family and the effects of racist believes of the family. Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) is part of a white Hate group. The death of his father, A fightfighter killed in a black neighbourhood has lead him to discriminate against anyone who isn't a white American. One night Derek takes his hate to far and ends up in prison for killing a African youth who attempts to steal Dereks car. Whilst Derek is serving his sentance, ...
...footsteps and is part of the group that helped lead to his brothers downfall. In order to save his brother from making the same mistakes as he has, Derek must change his ways and get out in time to save Danny Before it is too late. The film is told mainly through the eyes of Derek and Danny but also shows the strains and the effects their actions have on the other members of the family and those around them. Some of Derek's story is told through ...

shelleymc 30.06.2006 (06.07.2006) · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

When I first heard of this film it was from people who I knew to have racial prejudices. The main ways that it was described was "great", "bloody" and "wicked". The reason for this description, I feel, is that it tells the tale of Derek (Edward Norton) who is a member of a Klu Klux Klan type group. To begin with you find his character totally repulsive. His views on the ethnic situation in America are both extreme and readily backed up with violence. ...
...his father is killed. His younger brother is fast following in his footsteps and predictably looks up to his brother and treats him as a role model. His position in the family changes when Derek is woken by his young brother and finds three black youths attempting to steal his car. Taking his gun out into the street he shoots a couple and then confronts the third. He forces the third youth to lay in the road. He then asks for the youth to open his ...

mclennell 04.03.2005 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

As a huge fan of Edward Norton, I feel drawn to see any film of his. 'American History X', however was the film that cemented my admiration for such a young and brilliant actor. When I first saw him in 'Primal Fear' I figured that it would be that film that set him apart from the rest, but as soon as I saw 'American History X' it changed. 'American History X' is one of the few films that change your life. I don't think anyone could watch it without ...
...they see themselves in one of the characters or because of the sudden disrespect you feel at being a human, you are touched in some way or another. The story sets to tell the tale of the Derek Vinyard and Danny Vinyard, two brothers once joined by power, destruction and racism but now torn apart by the things that they once held close to their hearts and valued above everything. After a three year sentence in prison, Derek Vinyard has been taught ...

GerMac 03.01.2004 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

At this point I've watched the video at least 7 times and it still has virtually the same impact on me from the first time I saw it. The whole story of the movie takes place in about 24 hours but seems longer because Danny (Edward Furlong) is reflecting on how his brother's experiences has helped shape his own ideas and attitudes concerning contemporary america. That is the gist of the film; an essay which Danny was forced to write in one night. ...
...are shaped and molded by their parents attitudes and by their experiences. Another reviewer said that the most un-racist person would rethink some of their views while watching the Rodney King argument scene. The arguement was good in the sense that Derek (Ed Norton) seemed really convinced, but his arguements regarding the LAPD using "text book" procedures on Rodney king was very weak. I'm very liberal and democratic, yet his arguement didn't make ...

Mr.Love 07.01.2001 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

This has got to be the best film I have seen this year. It is in fact one of the best films I have ever seen. It shows how neo-nazism is alive and well in the world and the shocking tactics and methods these mindless fools are willing to go to in slaughtering innocent people just becasue they are a different colour to themselves. The film follows the life of one of these neo nazis and the impact it has on his impressionable brother and fis family. ...
...the eldest sibling of a fireman who is killed in the line of duty. Norton blames the ethnic minorities on television for the death of his father and denounces all other races. He is then led into a like of nazism, becoming the leader of one of the local gangs. He turns on his family in his rage against the minorities and this leads to an uncontrolable attack on 3 Black youths who attack his home. He murders 2 of them in cold blood before being ...

andycharger 17.05.2001 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

An Explosive start it follows the experiences of Derek Vinyard (Ed Norton) who is an influencial leader of the "White Power Movement". He has internalised the values of Hitler's "Aryan" ideas that nationalities, religions and races of non "white" are inferior and must be supressed. The film also illustrates the importance of role models as his actions directly influences that of his younger brother Danny played wonderfully by Edward Furlong. His ...
...dead jews is a shocking reminder of how fragile the world is. (one man's intention to ethnic clense a people). Derek is sentenced to 3 years in prison after being convicted of killing two black youths for attempting to steal his car. In actual fact he told one of them to bit the pavement before crushing his skull. There in prison he is befriended by a Black inmate who he gets on with learning about his experiences and before long those "Nazi" allies ...

HONESTTRUTH 12.04.2004 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

...to life, I have bought american history x and i realy enjoy it and its a film that can be watched time and time again, the endin is good because there could have been a follow up but there wasn't one made. American history x is about black and white people back in the day, they did not get on and white men and women joined racist groups, and went on rampages all endin in deaths and jail the story show that times and people both change the film is ...

rickov2009 10.06.2009 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

Are you ready for this film? Be prepared to be left sat in your seat in a state of shock after the films ended. It hits you hard and then comes back for more. Don't get the wrong impression straight away, this isn't just a violent film. It is violent in places, unbelievably so in one, but it is the underlying message that is the important factor here. Ed Norton plays a Neo Nazi with an amazing sense of hatred and violence rarely seen at the cinema. ...
...the look of an insane man. This is helped by the fact that the character he is playing is a well educated man. This film shows how one man can go from being a hater of all things non-white to being a respectful, honest and charming man. It doesn't leave much to the imagination in any scene where it has to make a point. Saying this, you never feel like you are being preached to, as you watch this film. You understand what is going on but just can't ...

BlueAngel 14.11.2000 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

American History X the most stunning and grounding performance by Edward Norton and Edward Furlong. This gives you an insight into the minds of many Neo-Nazi's lives and the struggle to release their violence and anger towards other races. This film is very very controversial as the racist views in this film are very full on, so if you are offended easily then stay clear. One part of the film involves three black males trying to steal the main character's ...
...other two manage to get away so he then vents his anger out on the suffering wounded black male as he orders him to "put your mouth on the kerb" he then kick his head into the kerb and therefore killing him (very gruesome)! He then gets sent to prison for this offence, and while he is in there through a number of events, realises that racism is wrong and what he did was unforgiveable and therefore he came out of prison a changed man. This film is ...

russelldavies 15.11.2007 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

XXXXXXXX You wouldn't think that the main character in this played by Edward Norton ois the same guy who played the lawyer in The People vs Larry Flynt. Norton puts in a very good performance as the neo-Nazi who eventually sees the light and mends his ways. The film portrays the reality of human nature I think in several ways. It shows his former group turning against him rapidly, showing how quickly loyalties can be dispensed with. The realisation ...
...in jail they are willing to deal with non-whites when it suits them. It is a good lesson in group dynamics too. When Norton questions the drug dealing between his prison group leader and some Hispanics he starts on the road to running foul of them. This eventually leads to a group organised rape in the showers with the coalescence of the warders. A rather brutal reminder from the group leader that it's a question of 'do what I say not what I do' ...

oclumhain 25.02.2001 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

A compelling film that stars Eddie Furlong as Norton’s brother. It is a credible and varied tale about two brothers. The elder one (Norton) gets put into prison for shooting a black man and converts whilst serving his time. Upon his return home, all his friends and family, especially his little brother still expect him to be the same. Furlong adores his older sibling, who is the leader of the pack and wants to be like him, this, however leads to ...
...this short review, but it is an excellent film. Both play really well and it is upsetting to see how things develop. The whole film is in black and white which makes it seem like a documentary and you start to realise what these people actually believe in and how vile it is. It is not as heavy as it may sound and does not have that “I want to educate you” aura about it. It is a must-see! ...

betsy 13.06.2000 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

This film is excellent. i can think of no better surmise than that. It will keep you gripped and then deliver a message and what a message it is. The film chronicles the story of a neo nazi who after involvement in violence is sent to prison and following his return a changed man he must try and stop his younger brother from following the same corrupt route he did however this is easier said than done. the film is a allegoric tale of prejudice in ...
...the either do not understand or simply refuse to understand. The cinematography in the film is of an incredibly high standard, the use of black and white film stock during the flash back sections is well executed and it adds alot to the film. The acting is superb and both Norton and Furlong deserve recognition for their outstanding portrayal of the brothers. The plot in the film not only captivates and at times shocks it also contains a real sting ...

robsterwest 23.02.2001 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

This film is proberly one of the most powerful films which I have watched recently. It tells the story of Dereck Vinyard through the eyes of hid brother Danny. Dereck is a racist and forms a gang which terrorise the immigrants in the town they live in. He ends up in prison after killing 2 black men, and after serving 3 years behind bars he is released a reformed man no longer hoplding the believes he once had however on returning home he finds his ...
...been away and so Dereck tries to help Danny and pass on what he has learnt. The story is told by flashbacks of what happened to make Dereck racist and why he changed in prison these are done in black and white which I think is really helpful as it makes it clear on what is in the present and what is in the past. Edward Norton who plays Dereck shows here what a talented actor he is as there are some scenes which are just so powerful and those which ...

Gems87 19.02.2009 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

When I first saw Edward Norton in the Illusionist and Fight Club I thought he was a pretty fine actor - What I didn't fully realise was that he was a pretty amazing actor. If it wasn't for the fact that the guy from 'Life is Beautiful' won Best Actor in the Oscars, I'd feel hugely annoyed he missed out. I must say, I had barely heard of this film and it was my boyfriend who encouraged me to watch it when I commented upon the fact I liked Norton. ...
...I feel that anyone with feelings of racial hatred, whether Black or White, Muslim or Christian, should watch it. In the end it has such a simple, clear cut message and anyone who does not understand it is, to be frank, quite stupid. I also applaud the film for its gritty realism. It does not withhold the fact that Black gang culture is a problem in the USA (and indeed in other places like Britain). It gives you the whole scope of the problem and ...

Renza 17.01.2009 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)

American History X, is a powerfull film which focuses on how the black people of America were treated and the problems the faced from various racial groups. The story itself conveys a strong image following a man and his hatetred of blacks only to find out that his opions are wrong and his brother soon agrees with him, the truth has been realised but not by the brother. The film has a gripping storyline which may shock some but nvertheless the truth ...
...This is an excellent film and i strongly reccomend it. The racial tension that builds up throughout the play is quite dramatic and the finishing scene is left balancing on a knife edge when the obvious does not occur. This all together is a film that has great significance and meaning. ...

thefrossy1 29.06.2001 · Read full review
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Review of American History X (DVD)