Intense

Rating: 9/10 (2 February 2002)

This movie was both shocking and moving,but undoubtably a triumph despite a couple of minor flaws.The plot is thought provoking and captivating throughout,despite being a pretty gruelling watch,with uniformly impressive acting from a talented cast. However,the film's greatest draw must be the astonishing Edward Norton,disgracefully passed over at the Oscars, who turns in a remarkable performance as Neo-Nazi hate-monger Derek Vinyard.Norton transforms the film from a good rent to an essential view,seamlessly portraying his almost duel-performance of Vinyard before and after his reform from racial hated,entirely convincingly.The film is far more than a stream of shocking (and they are shocking) set-pieces, and the violence, brutal as it may be,is never glamourised.The film's harrowing conclusion is the icing on the cake, ensuring that this is a tale that will stay with you long after the video is back in the box.All in all, a very good movie, if not one for the faint of heart!