American History X

Rating: 10/10 (8 December 2008)

What has to happen to transform a committed member of a skin head gang into a person willing to die to free his family from his mistakes? In American History X (1998), rated R for graphic brutal violence including rape, pervasive language, strong sexuality, and nudity, the story focuses on Derek Vinyard as he struggles to overcome the hate taught to him by his father and friends. The movie has a powerful message that steers clear of becoming a clichÃ©d story about everybody getting along. It is a very dark movie that deals with very powerful themes such as racism and hate and also the ability to overcome these feelings. While the movie can at times feel rushed it is overall a very good movie that shows the transformation of one man and his family.
In this movie all of the characters look the part of skinheads and racists, with shaved heads and clothing bearing the pictures and slogans of hate. Derek has gone one step further than this; he has covered himself in tattoos of swastikas, SS lightning bolts, and other symbols of hate. One of the most powerful scenes in this movie comes when Derek stands in front of the mirror after being released from prison and covers up the large swastika tattoo over his heart with his hand. Also when Derek is released from prison he also begins to let his hair grow out again, no longer keeping his head shaved, showing in one more way that he has changed and that he no longer agrees with the ideologies of the skinheads.
The acting in this movie is excellent. Edward Norton played the character of Derek perfectly. In the flashbacks it was almost scary to watch him as he spewed racism and hate. You got the sense that this was real. In playing Danny, Edward Furlong also did a very good job, portraying the younger brother striving for his older brother's affection and respect extremely well. The rest of the supporting characters were also very well done, all the characters seemed believable and you never questioned whether the hate they had was real.
While the movie has several small, mainly cosmetic flaws, it is still a very good movie with an inspiring plot line. It is a powerful movie of love and redemption.