Great deep-reaching movie about hate

Rating: 9/10 (10 September 1999)

American History X hits America and its wide, problematic racism right on its present spot. Many racism-related films make you hate hatred. This film rather wants to get to the bottom of it, making a statement of what need to be done.
It doesn't just show racist people, in this case neo-nazis, as frustrated, lonely people reaching out to whomever willingly to accept them. The main character, played convincingly by Edward Norton, is an intelligent orator and charismatic leader, who let his black side explain the problems of society, and act accordingly.
Hate is shown from both sides. Good reasons for hate are presented. At the same time the narrowsighted aspect of it carefully comes to light, making you see that hate blinds your good judgement. Making you reject there is a flip side to the matter. If you see beyond the entertaining value of this film (which is great), it might actually grab you, wanting you to help those who hate.
This movie also makes a huge point of the effect trusted persons arguments have on others. Fathers, be aware of what you tell your children!