Powerful -worth a rewatch

Rating: 9/10 (8 May 2015)

I hadn't seen this for a few years, it's still a compelling, provocative, violent and important movie. Edward Norton earned a best actor nod for his spellbinding portrayal of a violent neo-Nazi gang leader who ends up in prison for murder.
He is fantastic here, you literally can't take your eyes off him. The entire movie is well made, well acted and gripping from beginning to end as we watch (through black and white flashbacks) 'Derek' begin to question his beliefs after going to prison and then transform upon his release, turning his back on his Nazi gang and finding a new purpose, to save his brother from talking the same destructive path.
Edward Furlong (what happened to him?) plays the younger influential brother 'Danny' and it is through his school paper "American History X" and narration that this story comes to life. He does a good job and I liked how the story was told. All the sub roles are well done too including Elliott Gould, Ethan Suplee and a creepy Stacy Keach.
There are images from this movie that never leave you; the "curb" scene is just... and the look in his eyes as Derek is arrested after. The shower scene in prison and the school washroom at the end. A powerful message to this movie. 3/9/15