One of the most important films ever

Rating: 9/10 (27 April 2015)

American History X is not only an immaculately made tale of redemption and loss, excellently anchored by an Oscar worthy performance from Edward Norton, it is also vitally important to understanding the problems that still lie in America today. This film deals with the naivety of racism in America, and how young kids, like Edward Furlong's character Danny Vinyard, can be drawn into a life of hate without even realising what they're hating in the first place. Contrasting two periods of Derek Vinyard's (Norton) life, American History X shows the despair and anger that are bred from ignorant hate but also the enlightenment that is found when the hate is lost and the anger drains away. The pulsating rage of Vinyard's character as he lashes out at his mother's partner is painstakingly juxtaposed against his feelings of sorrowful regret, as he attempts to save his brother from making the same mistakes he did. The film's climax is almost Shakespearian in its poignancy, and it will leave you thinking for days. A masterpiece.