The Best Movie of the Last 10 years

Rating: 10/10 (28 July 2006)

If you see one film this year that you haven't seen before, make it this one - as far as films go there are very few films that are better than American History X, and none of them were from the past 10 years.
Although its content of neo-Nazi, skin head violence and seemingly bad-taste for a film obviously may put people off, but don't let that fool you. This film is a roller-coaster of emotion, and an epic drama at its finest. In my opinion, the most important point of American History X is not white supremacy, but the compelling and gripping portrayal of A family unit without a father. Most notably between younger and older brothers (Derek and Daniel), but also between a mother and her two sons. The racist and Nazi tones are simply very strong devices to show these bonds during extreme times.
The story is told through current events (filmed in colour) and past events (filmed in black and white), which provide a great contrast in the film. With some very hot direction from Tony Kaye, a good script and a great casting, allows Edward Norton shines. It is one of the greatest performance by a leading actor in a modern film. He Pumps emotion and a real belief into his words, with much conviction that you, the viewer are sucked in and start to believe what he is saying is the truth.
For Edward Nortons performance alone (although there is so much more to love about this film) American History X is firmly in my Top 10.