American History X

Rating: 7/10 (19 August 2007)

Number 41 in IMDb list.
The movie deals with racism and hate. A neo-nazi Black hating fanatic person Derek (Edward Norton) shoots out 2 black men who come to rob at his house. He gets 3 years in jail. When he comes out he finds his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) walk on the same path as he had walked. Derek attempts to persuade Danny not to be like him but follow the path of life that is without hate. In between the movie deals with flashback on the transformation of Derek in the prison.
The movie attempt is strong. The Director Tony Kate must have taken lots of guts to make this movie on racism and hate. It is not amazing to know that in its titles he did not want his name to be mentioned  (instead he preferred Hummpy Dummpy) just of the fear of being targeted by both black and white groups.
The movie is bold, touches the most relevant subject of hatred between different people. But half way through the movie I felt that it has become too preachy. I also had this notion that Jews must have produced it. I do not know whether it is true  but there was one silly dialogue in the movie that will remain in my memory  You look good, you look like a Jew. That itself was racist and discriminating and negative conditioning.
That apart, Edward Norton played the role really well. He was fortunate to get good roles in his career  Fight Club and then this. Now a day he has lost his ability, rawness and spontaneity.
This movie can also become so relevant in today's India where the fanatic Brahmins wants to teach hatred to their children for lower castes, untouchables, minorities etc.
Technically the movie is brilliant. It uses good black and white flashbacks and color current events. The camera work, the prison shots etc. are very authentic. The beginning sex scene was a bit overdone and totally unnecessary in the event of things in this movie.
Sadly the movie starts with black committing a crime and getting killed by a racist white, and ends with racist black killing a white person.
Anyways, a good representation and attempt! (Stars 7 out of 10)