Compelling, Honest Film

Rating: 10/10 (3 February 2007)

I am always surprised when such a compelling film stays under the radar screen, as American History X did. Yes, it was hard to watch because it was brutally honest about the issue of gangs, violence and racism, but it wasn't a sensational film where violence was added for the sake of violence.
This film was groundbreaking and should be recommended -- possibly mandatory viewing for gangs and incarcerated gang kids.
We can see by the new resurgence in gang violence that this problem is only escalating. The movie showed how an impressionable young man, Edward Norton, ended up seeking the gang life after losing the primary male role model in his life, his father. The gang leader of this Neo Nazi group replaced his father and instilled hate in him.
Gangs give kids without personal power and belongingness a sense of both, and American History X showed how tragic the outcome of belonging to these gangs truly is.
I love the fact that Norton has never shied away from roles that are controversial and complex; resulting in movies all Americans need to see. I just saw The Painted Veil and he was brilliant in that as well.