An observant, realized Crime-Drama about hate and change

Rating: 9/10 (26 October 2007)

American History X is a movie that details a graphic portrayal of a former Neo-Nazi, Derek Vinyard, who is sent to prison for 3 years for 2 murders. After experiencing certain unimaginable horrors of prison, he realizes he has to steer his younger brother, Daniel, from going down the wrong path. The events that follow what I have told you, are shocking, controversial, but not meant to direct any hate the characters express in this film, yet I don't think anybody who sees such shocking scenes as the Supermarket Riot, Prison Rape or even the ending, would want to have any affiliation with the horrible things portrayed in this movie.
This film, and it's characters, are very realized. Edward Norton plays a convincing role as Derek, in which he earned an Oscar Nod. The Director, Tony Kaye, makes the film stylized and different by using color as recent events, and B&W as past events. A little touch that art-house film fans will probably enjoy. This film might be pretty compelling to some, but for those who understand the well intended morality of it all, will be thrilled.
Films as recommendable as this, don't come along too often, but this film proves that independent films are still around today, and are just as enjoyable as other great dramas such as "Pulp Fiction", "The Usual Suspects" and more. With that said, this film is definitely one of the best films of the 90's, and without giving away anything too interesting in the film, I will end my review.
3/4 Stars