American History X - life changer 101

Rating: Null/10 (25 October 2001)

The first time I saw this movie was both completely blown away. The feelings that it evoked I had, as a white middle-class suburbanite, never really had to deal with before. It completely changed my view of racism and the relations between white and black America. The 'put your mouth on the curb!' scene was the most graphic violence i have ever seen in a movie, except in A Clockwork Orange. However, I don't know if i would describe it as 'gratuitous'. It seems to serve a purpose in showing the absolute hatred these people have for one another. It had never really connected with me before. I believe that this movie is a valuable tool for classrooms, but I doubt that it will ever be shown in one because it is too violent. In this case, however, I believe that the subject matter is too important to try to hide behind such an excuse.