"We must not be enemies."

Rating: 8/10 (7 July 2008)

A powerful story about retribution and redemption, 'American HIstory X' is a harrowing look at a subculture that remains a very real and startling reality in the world today. It steps up to the tough questions and doesn't back down, and it's what helps set 'American History X' apart among the rest. It's an important film, a gritty film, something truly memorable that deserves to be seen, studied, and talked about.
Though much of the film is shot in black-and-white, 'American History X' is anything but. It doesn't preach or cater to the audience, it's a frank and honest venture that makes for an extremely difficult but worthwhile sitting. And if there's one reason and one reason only to see this film, see it for Edward Norton's provocative performance. Surely one of the braver roles ever attempted in film, and it's one of the most unforgettable. His magnetic presence exudes power, perfectly conveying the anger and blindness that surrounds him.
Unfortunately, 'X' does suffer from sporadic choppiness as it jumps through time to connect the dots and tell a complete, comprehensible story. More than likely, it's a result of Norton's editing overhaul that practically transformed the film from its original idea. However, director Tony Kaye's attempts to distance himself away from the project is a shame. 'American History X' may have its flaws, but it remains a challenging and thought-provoking picture whose tragedy will both terrify and shed light on important issues.
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