An excellent film, portraying a somber realism...

Rating: 9/10 (14 May 2002)

When I first saw this film, I didn't cry at the ending, I crumbled into a sobbing heap upon the floor. I watched the film for the third time last night, and was once again reduced to a replica of Niagara Falls.

The entire setting of the film is tense, and the cathartic ending is amazingly effective. Hate IS a burden, as is so well depicted by this film, but what is most impressed upon in this movie is the fact that our ideas have to come from somewhere, and a family member is the most likely source. For anyone who has grown up with elder siblings, you know this to be true. From what I understand, young women grow up trying their hardest, not to be their mothers, and young men grow up trying equally as hard to BE their fathers, or someone their father will respect.
The family unit is a perfect backdrop for this film. It proves that someone is always watching how we behave, and applying it to themselves. It also shows that our actions affect everyone around us. No action is solely self affective, but effects everyone with whom we interact.

By carrying the burden of hate, it is so easy to be impressionable, and to cling to facts that are not necessarily true, especially if they feed that hatred.
I felt that Edward Norton was untouchable in this role. He was intense and his portrayal of this character was unmistakably effective.

Edward Furlong was also a natural casting choice for his character. Both actors were superlative in this movie. They play memorable characters and portray the conflict in such a way that you won't soon forget it.

With no trouble at all, I rate this film a captivating 10/10.