Powerful and though provoking

Rating: 9/10 (6 September 2003)

American History X is just one of those films that will make even the tightest of minds unfold, it touches on a topic that many, wrongfully, shy away from in such a way that its thought provoking.
Edward Norton is fantastic in this role, his research clearly showing paying off, and it just goes to show how underrated he is. Norton puts in a powerful performance, that at times has you almost wondering if he is actually fighting a just cause. The film itself is rather slow paced, but for the better I would say. This film isn't for the Van Diesel generation, this film is for those of us who like substance, meaning and good acting in our films.
They storytelling is wonderful, with a dual perspective on some scenes seen from the point of view from Edward Furlong (who plays the younger brother) as he idolises his Brother (Edward Norton).
The film itself follows Derek (Edward Norton)and his brother(Edward Furlong) through the problems they've had with racism and the blacks that have 'infested' there local area (and eventually killed there father), which causes Derek to join a cell against Blacks. The film however isn't one sided at all, in fact it shows both sides equally, and the climax of the film is tragic after all that Derek has tried throughout the film.
It's unfair however to place all of the credit on Edward Norton, as Edward Furlong also plays a fantastic role as Norton's younger brother, who Norton tries to save and reform. In fairness the whole cast, while it may not be 'Mainstream' is fantastic and everyone puts in a powerful and truely believable performance.
This film will make you think, it will make you grimach "bite the curb". You'll either love this film, or be afraid of it.