Highly symbolic and relevant film

Rating: 8/10 (17 November 1999)

American History X adds dozens of symbols to a very controversial topic, and the result is a surprisingly good flick. Edward Norton, a legend in his own time, plays a very convincing prominent skin-head. While in prison, Norton discovers that his life is headed in the wrong direction, with a little help. On the outside, his brother, played by the young Edward Furlong, is following the same tracks.
Edward Norton is deserving of all of the credit and Oscar nominations he has received. He is an amazing actor, unrivaled in his generation. Anything starring Edward Norton is bound to be a very emotional and superbly acted film.
American History X is filled with many very small symbols that help the transition of the story. If you watch with a very critical eye, you'll be able to see how every little action is a way of representing something else.