Not as intelligent as it thinks it is, but still wonderful

Rating: 9/10 (6 June 2000)

American History X is nothing if not great filmmaking. The film is powerfully and hauntingly shot in both color and black and white. Additionally, the film gets some great performances from its actors, most notably Ed Norton Jr. "Wow" is all I can say about Mr. Norton's turn as a sharp but misguided teen. Honestly, I think it is one of the top 5 performances of the 90s.
The content is a mixed bag. I thought this film would be idiotic, but in fact, it does succeed in addressing a number of issues (from immigration to affirmative action) in such a way as to illustrate how a reasonably intelligent adolescent could be lured into the Neo-Nazi movement. Still, there's almost an implication that anyone who doesn't support affirmative action or who does support tougher immigration laws is one step away from being a through and through bigot. There are indeed shades of gray that exist between black and white. American History X fails to find these shades, and instead rests comfortably in extremes.
Oh yeah, the violence is pretty graphic. If you're a pansy about that sort of thing, you may not be able to stomach it. I think it's done responsibly and to great effect.
In short, see this film. Take it with a grain of salt, but see it. This is one film that is guaranteed to make you feel something. I gave it a 9/10.