Why did it take so long for me to see this film?

Rating: 10/10 (4 April 2001)

Last night I sat down and watched American History X for the first time. I'm not sure why I didn't take notice of this the first time around, maybe it was the subject matter, or maybe it was the cast, i'm not sure but for some reason it eluded me.
After my copy of Snatch refused to play in my DVD player I decided to put on American History X and settle down for a nice quiet night in front of the television. What unfolded in front of my eyes was the most powerful and gripping film that I have seen in recent years. From the first minute right through to the last I was on the edge of my seat. So what makes this film so right? In a film so completely brilliant it is difficult to pick out one thing, but the cast and script complement each other in such a way that it is impossible to pick any holes in the film. Norton puts in the performance of his life with Furlong providing the commentary as the film diarises the rise and fall of Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) and his influences on his younger brother. In a film with such strong leading performances it is easy for the supporting cast to get lost in the headlights, but this is the amazing part, each supporting role (from what looks like a reunion of the Star Trek actors guild) is as strong and influential as the main ones. Avery Brooks plays the strong but subtle school principle and Beverley D'Angelo and Jennifer Lien play the Vinyard mother and sister respectively and they all turn in a real star performance.
The best thing about this film is that it doesn't preach, it doesn't moralise and it doesn't hold back. At all times the audience is left to make their own judgements on the story and the characters and anyone with a soupcon of intelligence will be able to make their own mind up about the films message.
Since seeing this film last night I have to say it certainly ranks in my top 5 all time movies and it's a potential number one. The sort of film that makes you want to watch it all over again just for the experience. WOW!