The most powerful movie I've seen.

Rating: Null/10 (23 April 1999)

I have just finished American History X and have concluded that it is the most powerful movie I have ever seen. In accordance to the recent situation in Littleton, Colorado, this movie especially struck home. And while the acting, cinematography, score, and overall production of this movie was a sheer masterpiece, what makes this movie the truest testament to the soul is its message: You will reap the consequences of your actions. Derek's actions, sadly, had gone too far, and the consequences of them were nearly inevitable. And isn't it sad that this is how we, as humans, can only seem to begin to grasp this concept when something as shattering as the death of a close one draws it blindingly to our attention. I am a professing Christian, and to any other Christian who is interested in viewing this movie, I must warn you, the language, violence, and sexuality is extremely explicit. But for once, this is what I appreciate. The producers did not take the time to muddy their message down for the entire family but gave it to the audience as it is, presented in real life. As hard as it is to sit through something like this, we do it everyday, in and out, and never give it a second thought. This movie will wake you up fast, make you question what you believe, and bring you to the harsh but all too true realization that it is up to each and every one of us individually to make a difference for good in the lives we touch. Otherwise, those lives will be lost, whether to death or a blind and dying world. If we do not accept this responsibility, we must be willing to accept the responsibility of every tragic situation we could have changed. After seeing this movie, I personally don't ever want to be a "could have" again. I hope that it affects you in the same heart-wrenching manner that it captivated me. This is what the movies were made for.