Powerful

Rating: 10/10 (7 June 1999)

This film is the essence of power. Powerful theme, powerful message, and unbelievably powerful performance by Norton. Definitely overlooked as one of the best performances in the last few years. Unfortunate that a film such as this is needed in society, but it succeeds better than any other with the same theme. I haven't read all the comments about this film so I hope this isn't repeated but clearly the most important scene is the conversation at the dinner table with Derek and his father discussing his new teacher (Avery Brooks-also stellar in the film). This is the genesis for the rest of the movie-although Derek's development from the good student prior to this conversation to the extremist he becomes is lost to the natural lack of development that must occur in film, but clearly this type of "harmless" dinner chatter (and obviously the circumstances of his father's death) must be emphasized in film and life as powerful.