A chilling modern-day depiction of Nazis and racism

Rating: 8/10 (19 January 2003)

*May Contain Spoilers*
I first saw this film three years ago when I was 14. My friend suggested it to me; she said it had a moving plot and would have an amazing effect on me. She did warn me that it was quite violent (especially the rape scene), but that I should nevertheless still view it for its powerful message. I took her advice and rented it.
Now I know what you're thinking: "How could a 14 year old understand this movie? How could they get anything out of it?" Believe me, I was a very mature 14 year old (not that I'm not mature now, at 17), and I understood this movie's message perfectly.
The plot: Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) is a former Nazi who was jailed for murdering a black man. While in jail, he slowly befriends another black man and begins to see the error of his ways. (Let me remind you that this doesn't happen overnight; it is a "gradual" process). Once he is released from jail, he is determined to keep his younger brother from following the same path he did.
Meanwhile, Danny Vinyard (Edward Furlong) gets in trouble for writing a book report on "Mein Kamph" (did I spell that right?). Rather than suspension or expulsion, the teacher tells him to write a report about his brother Derek's life.
On a side note: You have to feel sort of sorry for Danny; he is a confused boy that looked up to his brother and is trying to follow in his footsteps. I'm not saying what he's doing is right; I'm simply stating that one should feel sympathy for him; he really doesn't know what he's doing to himself.
I haven't seen any other films with Norton in them, but I doubt that they could match his excellent performance in this movie. The hatred he emitted was so real; you really would think he actually hated blacks and minorities. Furlong was also great as Danny, though at some parts, I thought he wasn't really into his character (but maybe that's just me).
Now some people may compare this film to "Schindler's List." DON'T DO THAT. "Schindler's List" was a cinematic masterpiece; very few films on this particular topic match the depth, detail, and emotion conveyed in that movie. "American History X" is not meant to be compared to "Schindler's List." Think about Shakespeare's play, "Romeo and Juliet." Now think of the movie based on the play (the one with Leonardo DiCaprio). The movie was decent, made you laugh and cry, but could never match the tragedy and romance that the original play had. It's purpose was to entertain and give a message. Treat "American History X" the same way.
Overall, a powerful, chilling film, right up to the horrifying conclusion. It DID have an effect on me, and it is not a movie I will soon forget.
8/10