A key and influential movie for new generations.

Rating: 10/10 (3 February 2007)

Among my TOP 10 movies of all time; "American History X" demonstrates that cinema can deliver lessons of life. This movie, in the most and best possible Hollywood manner displays a beautiful message for humanity and at the same time, it shows the horrors of how can racism and hatred can ruin the world.
This movie can make you cry, make you smile, make you feel powerful, make you feel sad; it's a roller-coaster of emotions and with a strong social message. It will make you think and re-define your ideas for equity and humanity.
Maybe I'm praising this movie too much, but I feel that it deserves recognition for displaying a terrible disease in the history of humanity and at the same time, show that races shouldn't be a matter of distinction; the only possible way that people are different is according to their ideas and points of view. We are not different. And as the beautiful quote displayed from this movie "We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained we must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be by the better angels of our nature". You'll see who said this when watching the movie...
The plot is easy to follow but hard to understand as many dialogs are aggressive but intelligent. For example, Derek's hatred against black people and jews is justified in an intelligent way (OF COURSE IN HIS MIND), and he defends his ideas with strong thinking and based on actual facts. Then, the director adds his point of view when the characters say their moral and political correctness points of view.
The situations that Derek lives on jail are breath taking and beautify in different ways. First, he feels like he's home when he meets with Neo-Nazi prisoners ; then he makes friends with a black man who, has an important part in the story because he literally, saves Derek's life and makes him finally understand that people are equal on every aspect. But it's not as easy as that, because his younger brother, Danny is following his steps...
Watch this movie as a complex viewing because you will need your full attention and comprehensive abilities in order to make an objective comment about it. I'm sure that this movie is a way to display humanity and unify races.
The production values are perfect. The direction is raw but visually stunning. Big budget can make wonders when used correctly and this movie proves it. The score is also excellent, not to mention the perfect and inspiring cinematography. The acting is simply perfect. Edward Norton gives the performance of his life and demonstrates he's one of the most skilled actors of his generation. He's strong in all the sense of the word. The same about Edward Furlong who deserves a lot of recognition for this excellent performance. The chemistry between both actors is touching, moving. I almost cried when Derek finds his dead brother. Beverly D'Angelo also is great and convincing on her role. She's a fine dramatic actress. Avery Brooks almost stole the show with his minimal on-screen time; I want to have a teacher like him. Ethan Suplee, Satcy Keach, Fairuza Balk (sexy!), and Elliout Goul; all of them deliver great performances. They were very compromised with their roles.
I can't praise this movie enough, I think it's a dramatic, sad story with a special vibe and a feeling of power that will leave you satisfied but with a special feeling of sadness or power.
This is a unique visual experience. One of the best movies from the 90's and probably , from all time.
"AMERICAN HISTORY X" deserves the best recognition and should be watched by every children on History class.
When I watched it for the first time, years ago, I knew it changed my life and my concept for many things.