'American History X' is an important and powerful drama about setting a good example and redemption.

Rating: Null/10 (28 June 2014)

Having a role model is a great way to have guidance through life to achieve greatness. Following the wrong path and looking up to the wrong version of a truly good human being is a great way to become lost and destroyed. 'American History X' tells the story of two brothers in Venus Beach, California who get enthralled in the modern day Neo-Nazi crime. Derek Vineyard (played blisteringly by Edward Norotn) grew up as a bright young man with strong passions and great qualities. However, being highly influenced by his fathers prejudice views and death caused by an African-American, he turned into a skinhead who after beating three black men in a basketball game is targeted as revenge due to tension of the game. The leader of the men is Derek's main rival, and when Derek storms out shooting, he leaves two brutally killed and one escaped. After wounding one of the two men, he brutally kills him which causes his arrest. After being released from jail, his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) who highly looks up to Derek as a leader has turned into the younger version of Derek, who is angry due to the higher population of non-Caucasian's in his neighborhood. He looks at Derek as a hero and is full of anger. As Derek tries to teach Danny his new ways, his past comes back to haunt the both of them. Racism is a degrading view that is acted on in our country, and that is the catalyst for this masterpiece. It isn't making a big political statement, it's just showing how some scary people view the diversity of our country and what it does to peoples lives. The brotherhood between Danny and Derek is very touching and shows how important guidance and setting a good example is. The realism and the power this film offsets is what makes this film touching. It doesn't end all happy and clean. It serves as a warning for doing what is right and how your actions can ruin your life. A touch of beauty is portrayed at last to give a little hope though. Edward Norton's performance is so special because he plays two different personalities. The before and post skinhead is a sweet and likable character who you will most likely be moved by. However, when he is shown in flashbacks as a skinhead, he is pure evil and full of dirty words and views. Tony Kaye's directing is very special because of the color and motion he shoots in. During flashbacks in which Derek is a racist, he uses black and white to set the dark mood and color for when he has redeemed himself. The slow-motion scenes are very beautiful and gripping, as well as the cinematography around the beach which serves as a metaphor. The intensity is strong in the scenes that contain necessary violence. This film shows the views of insane people, but shows how 'bad people' can redeem themselves and how that their is reasoning for what they do. The story is also a wake-up call for people down the wrong path and how your life could be ruined due to your actions. This is a very powerful and gripping work of art done perfectly to give the audience the affect they deserve.