Provocative

Rating: 9/10 (17 September 2005)

American History X is a film that on first impression is artistic, yet quite touchy. It raises themes that you don't really want to watch. Racism, violence and segregation - to name a few.
The story is about the Vinyard family. And their involvement with Neo-Nazi racism groups. Derek Vinyard (The ever-fabulous Edward Norton) is the main man. A tough rogue filled with hatred and bitterness against other races, and convinced he must fight against them as a white protestant male. Danny Vinyard (Edward Furlong) is his brother, an impressionable teen who admires his brother above all others.
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The story is harsh though, and told in very interesting ways. Part of it is flashback, part of it present time, part of it is narration by Norton telling of his time spent in prison, for the murder of a black man. And even more imaginative is the way in which events surrounding the racial antagonism are commented and shown via an essay of which Danny is forced to write for the principal of his school, an essay for his own special class - namely - American History X, which is hoped to bring down the hateful feelings, and inflict some sense into him.
With a bunch of gangster chums around the place, exerting and trying to encourage racial hatred it isn't easy. And many fights are depicted. Struggles.
But this film, which is phenomenally brutal, but effective has a big message to convey, and it does it well.
Racism is just a case of hate, and being annoyed at things... And is totally wrong.
I love this picture, it is well made, well acted and well received.
It is also very deep. Making it absorbing and a grand viewing pleasure, even if it is brutal, and brash. This quote may help you understand how deep it is, a passage from Danny's essay:
"So here's what I found out. My conclusion. I figured out that hate is baggage. Life's too short to be p***ed off all the time."
Highly recommended