The voice of experience...

Rating: 10/10 (22 April 1999)

In a great majority of the comments I have read, American History X has been described as a 'typical' Hollywood movie. People seem to think that it was just another vehicle for gratuitous sex and violence. Unfortunately the point of it was lost on them. As a former Neo-Nazi, I can vouch for the gratuitous sex and violence...we were not the type to sit around in coffee shops and rationally discuss our 'problems' with non-caucasian people. Non-whites, to the Neo-Nazi, aren't deserving of time and patience (or politeness).
American History X really struck a chord, a very painful chord, in the way that it explained the behavior and beliefs of the average Neo-Nazi. Neo-Nazi's are a 'family' of sorts and will not be changed by 'rational' ideas. American History X took a subject that is generally taboo and turned it into a movie about the truth. It didn't display all Neo-Nazi's as ignorant and it didn't display all African-American's as violent, drug-abusing gang-bangers. This movie brilliantly captured reality. The cinematography wasn't perfect, neither was the plot. But that doesn't matter. What matters is that it made its point effectively. The point wasn't that racism is there and that racists are bad. The point was more along the lines of: There is a problem. We have to do look closer than we have been to solve it. Otherwise, nothing will change and racism will get worse, not better!
The principal was an extraordinary example of an African-American man who has risen above the racism and hate to the point that he entered a jail to comfort, albeit not for that sole purpose, Derek (the main character / Neo-Nazi), who had been raped by fellow Neo-Nazis in prison.
American History X went further than that. It showed that even someone like Derek, who believed so strongly in his races (white) superiority, can change. It showed that not all people are 'lost causes'. Don't get me wrong, this wasn't a 'feel-good' movie, people died and a great deal of pain was evident.
This movie is excellent and a must see for anyone who wants to take a peek at the real world of Neo-Nazis and their violent (and all-too-often short) lives. This movie was, to me, like looking in a mirror and straight through to my past. American History X can be an eye-opener for anyone willing to look and learn without prejudice and bias and without PRIDE!
To quote an old friend, and former Neo-Nazi:
"There is nothing more dangerous in this world than the person who sees everything and learns nothing."
American History X: A 10 out of 10.