American History X

Rating: 9/10 (24 August 2005)

To me this powerful film shows Ed Norton as one of our most impressive and gifted actors of a generation. His excellent portrayal of Derek, a brutal Nazi loving thug who through his life changing experiences in prison slowly realises the error of his ways. Supported by a fine performance by Edward Furlong who plays his idolising, yet astute younger brother Danny the film rolls a emotional ride of hate for black, Jewish, Asian, if fact anyone who does not fit with Derek's view of a normal American to the love for his brother and other members of his family. Extremely violent scenes in the film are not only justified to establish the utter ruthlessness of Derek but probably a true reflection of how these people live and think.