go see this film!

Rating: Null/10 (2 November 1998)

I was completely stunned by this film - which not only tells a story of how hate acts as a cycle but also tells a rich story of a grieving family. The film is violent but not, in my opinion, gratuitous in any way, and brilliantly depicts its two main characters as complete people - viciously confused racists who are irrational kids fuming with misplaced anger. The origins of the hatred spread by Edward Norton and Furlong's characters and the actions they take are neither excused by the film nor apologized for - this film dares to take the issue of violence and truly strip it down to an individual level. Edward Norton is not only a genius in his role but is also very brave to have taken on a character who is at once so completely dislikeable yet somehow sympathetic - a challenge that could have easily backfired.
I couldn't believe "American History X" presented the arguments that it did and I still can't believe the ending - anyone who enjoyed "Pulp Fiction' but thinks the violence in this film is inexcusable ought to really think about why. This film is about consequences for violence - and every film that includes violence ought to take a hint from it.