Stunning

Rating: 10/10 (15 March 2009)

This film is one of the most underrated of that last decade. The cinematography is stunning and Tony Kaye's work in that realm particularly is breathtaking. He may have been a handful, at least according to insider reports, but a talent such as his must find its expression.
Edward Norton is nothing less than spectacular in the lead role as Derek Vinyard the troubled young and VERY angry man.
Edward Furlong proves his tour De force in T-2 was not an accident.
Avery Brooks plays a very convincing High School principal who actually cares about his students. If only such men were in every school in America!
Elliot Gould, who I have yet to see turn in a bad performance, once again shows that he one of the most solid actors in film. Mr Gould helps us to enter into the film in a way that showcases his talent. Remarkable man.
Beverly D'Angelo in a very believable role as Derek and Danny's mom.
Fairuza Balk sexy, VERY sexy spitfire who spews hatred and bigotry as naturally as one would expect from a woman with a tattoo "Aryan Woman" on her body.
The real scene stealer is Stacy Keach as Cameron Alexander, the neo-Nazi leader. Keach's performance is stunning and really deserved to be looked at for an award but this movie was way out there for any chance of that in 1998.
William Russ turns in a short but powerful performance as the fireman father of Derek and Danny. The scene around the family table is true-to-life and instructive for families who endeavor to avoid the poison of prejudice and hate from scarring their homes.
Alex Sol and Nicholas R. Oleson are terrifying as Aryan prisoners.
This is a frightening film nevertheless and I have to confess that my view of the world was a little less sunny after seeing this powerful, moving and all too real film.