Norton's performance alone is enough reason to see this film.

Rating: Null/10 (3 November 1998)

One of the main strengths of American History X is that it portrays an urban American skinhead, not as a simple-minded fool that people can easily write off (this character actually appears as Seth, played by Ethan Suplee), but as a complex character that is very close and very real. This movie shows how easy it is for a smart and thoughtful sixteen year-old (played by Edward Norton) to go so terribly wrong. Unfortunately, director Tony Kaye did not find it so easy to make Norton's transitions on film; although his stumbling transitions through Norton's character were made up for by Norton's and Edward Furlong's stellar performances. No one can hide from this film's messages: not the Principal, teacher, police, and others in the film, but most of all, not the audience.