American History X; Movie of the generation!

Rating: Null/10 (27 August 1999)

Finally... Finally a movie director found the courage to create a film about racial indifferences with a grasp on "reality." This is the first movie that I have ever viewed that doesn't promote the increasing, ever-popular reverse-racism trait that has been spread throughout this society like a cancer. And society just blindly accepting it. Directors like Spike Lee would understand this statement in full detail. I've had my fill of movies such as "White Man's Burden", "A Time To Kill",and "Do the Right Thing". All of them promoting the same basic story line; The black man must fight to overcome the evil white man. There is more to these movies than just that, but "the evil white man" trait is what they are constantly trying to implant into society's mind. DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER OF YOU DO NOT WANT SCENES OF THE MOVIE GIVEN AWAY!... "American History X" is a film that finally shows the other side of the coin. The main character, Derek Vinyard, played by the brilliant Edward Norton, is not shown as a mindless, irrational, blood-thirsty, skin-head. He is a character that possesses good leadership qualities , is intelligent, and has a somewhat righteous cause. Unlike the usual qualities possessed by a character, playing in a similar role. I very much like the scene in the movie where the 3 black youths are beating up the 1 white youth in the restroom at school. Or all the young black men raising havoc on the basketball court. Or the 2 black men attempting to steal Derek Vinyard's vehicle. These are all depictions of the actual reality that I remember as a young kid, growing up. Usually these black and white roles are reversed in any other film created. "Political correctness" is not a factor in this movie. "American History X" shows that racism is wrong, no matter if your black or white. The story shows the inevitable outcome when your life is devoted to a self-destructive cause. Everyone is entitled to his/her own beliefs, but to act on them in some cases can mean disaster. My hats off to the director, and all the actors/actresses especially. They played roles that were probably criticized by the media and society at large. Edward Norton was at his absolute best! He makes the movie. I will definitely recommend it to anyone. On a scale of 1 to 5 I give this film 5 stars!