powerful anti-hate drama

Rating: 9/10 (30 April 2005)

'American History X' is nowadays almost a cult movie, one of the category that seems to get better with the time. This is probably because of the very actual message and the strong story of a family caught in the racial and gangs conflicts of the 90s Los Angeles. The messages that hate does not solve problems and that tentatives to reconcile cannot wipe overnight deep-rooted problems are still strong and universal, and the movie looks as actual as the day it hit the screens.
It is also the best movie of Edward Norton, in the principal role of the pro-Nazi gang leader who kills two Afro-American who were trying to stole his car. He is shown the day of his liberation, trying to re-build his life and wipe over his violent past, but meantime he became a model for the racial hate groups in the neighborhood and for his younger brother. If there is hope beyond the violent conflict it's in the tentative of some of the characters to bring some sanity, but the message is open and the tragic end avoids the typical rose water endings of the Hollywood movies.
I liked this film, it talked to me length about race conflict, hate, appeasing, forgiveness. As I said, it's more actual than ever. 9 out of 10 on my personal scale.