think about it...

Rating: Null/10 (25 December 2002)

The buzz about this movie (as best listed on the back of the VCR packaging) describes it as a movie about "the consequences of racism". I actually would have to say it goes a bit further than that. Certainly, the movie revolves around racism and ethnocentrism, but I believe that functions more as an accessible vehicle to explore what virulent, phobic HATRED creates for both an individual and his community.
I was living in the state of Alabama when this film came out, and it didn't play in many theatres in the local area. I always wondered if that was because the content was believed to be too strong for the populace. "American History X" can be too strong for certain viewers, largely because it's a serious, provocative film with little comic relief. It also brazenly depicts a life experience of antagonism and conflict that may bother viewers who live a more sheltered existence.
Norton's portrayal of his character is well done, playing both his hostile "prior" character in flashbacks and his at-first-inexplicable "post" persona with a convincing performance in both roles. Furlong's "younger brother" character is a little more two-dimensional, being depicted largely as a "follower" type, but that apparent weakness is necessary in order to give Norton's Derek the needed urgency to tell his story.
All in all, a cerebral "what-if" exercise in issues still confronting America today that should resonate with any thinking person.