Top Notch Film

Rating: 8/10 (23 June 2005)

I have seen American History X several times and now own the DVD. This is a superb film, with focus on Edward Norton's character, "Derek Vineyard." Derek is a neo-Nazi growing up in Venice Beach, CA. The film is very moving and a realistic account of race relations in Southern California, and also of the inner workings of prison life. The ending of the film was a bit sad, and was probably the weakest part of the film, in my opinion. The film moves along superbly, however, after Derek is released from Prison, he is a changed person, and in my opinion, I'm not so sure he would have done a complete 180 like that, however, it makes sense for the films sake. All in all, this is very watchable. Certainly a rated R movie, very graphic and strong language.