Powerful. Electrifying. Intense

Rating: 10/10 (14 November 2001)

Wow. 2 hours of your life spent watching one of the most intense films ever. I sat there afterwards, trying to think. But it's impossible. This film affects you in a way that really makes you realise just how powerful cinema as an artform can be.
This fable, about a Neo-Nazi who, during a stint in a particularly brutal prison, sees the wrong of his ways, is so powerful. Edward Norton as Derek Vinyard, our anti-hero, gives (for me) the definitive performance for any serious actor to follow. Travis Bickle, Harry Hill- all eclipsed. The Academy, in their infinite wisdom, chose not to award an Oscar to Norton, but one feels that here, there's the possibility that he is Derek Vinyard, and it would be wrong to give him any recognition. However, there's no ham acting here, and Norton is surrounded by a cast who never have, nor ever will produce better roles. Edward Furlong is perfect as the naive young man, idolising his brother, whilst Beverly D'Angelo plays her part so beautifully that I was wanting to put my arm around her and tell her that everything was going to be okay.
However, it's not, and the brilliant use of cinematography mixed with the raw energy surrounding the film make it something that you have to see, if only because it'll be unlike anything you've ever seen before...