Amazing Film with a Brilliant Performance

Rating: 10/10 (14 February 2001)

When I finished watching American History X the first time I sat for a full 10 minutes before I could say anything. It is an amazing film, meant for a mature audience. However, I plan on watching it with my Son when he is confronted with racial issues. I feel it is an important film for him to watch, because it goes far to explain why kids join neo-nazi hate groups and it does an outstanding job of showing why the beliefs of those hate groups are wrong. Hate is a delicate subject and American History X is able to balance our disgust with our quest for answers to the eternal "Why?" question.
Edward Norton is amazing in this movie. I am glad he was nominated for his performance, because he deserved at least that much. His ability to transform his look and demeanor from scene to scene is about the best I have ever seen. But more than his performance, he, and the rest of the cast, should be commended for having the courage to take on such controversial roles. Great Film!