An excellent & moving film

Rating: 10/10 (5 May 2006)

Of all the thought provoking and absorbing movies I've seen, American History X is placed right at the top. A superb plot combined with magnificent acting makes this one of the all time greats. From the films opening scenes to its gripping, knife-edge conclusion, the film powefully portrays one man's struggle to assimilate back into society after serving a prison sentence for race related crimes. The film weaves ingeniously between the flashbacks and the present state of Edward Norton's character, Derek Vinyard, a one time neo-Nazi, who's violent hatred of America's multi-cultural society culminates in the brutal murder of two men. Derek's imprisonment proves to be a life-changing experience, as upon his release he appears to his adoring family and friends as a reformed man, who's appearance, beliefs & ideology have drastically changed. With a clean slate, Derek now faces the gruelling challenge of rescuing his brother from following the same doomed path which resulted in his own incarceration. I was genuinely absorbed with this film from start to finish and although fictional, I felt it fully demonstrated the dangers and damaging consequences of racism. Norton's tremendous acting complements a clever storyline, which still leaves me in suspense every time.