A Truly Amazing Film , Both Norton And Furlongs Finest On Screen Moments.

Rating: 9/10 (30 March 2009)

I had been told for a few years now this was a great movie i "had" to see. To be honest i never felt in the mood for it. It just didn't jump out to me. Little did i know it was one of my all time favourites just waiting to be discovered.
The story is tremendous. It follows a Neo - Nazi Skinhead whose burning hatred towards the "black" society (started by his fathers death caused by such individuals) spirals out of control over time. He surrounds himself with fellow followers starts gaining major credit off these followers for his acts almost earning legendary status.
He trains and Carry's out small escapades attacking shops and claiming back territory round his home town.
Then one night whilst his truck is getting broken into at the peak of his hatred he kills the burglars. Sending him to prison.
Whilst he's in prison his brother gets deeper and deeper into the world of black hatred heavily influenced by old friends.
Upon leaving prison a changed man Derek seeks to drag his brother out the mindless brainwashing he found himself fall into at the same age.
This film is quite simply amazing. The acting is outstanding Norton gives the performance of a life time as does Edward Furlong. I was never a huge fan of Edward Norton before this to tell the truth i found him bland and boring but this opened my eyes to what this guy can do.
The story is handled perfectly and slowly builds up to it's shocking finale.
the settings are perfect and extremely believable.
The dialogue is handled just right as is the level of violence. It is definitely not for the faint hearted there are some pretty nasty and graphic scenes. This is not a "nice" film. But at the same time it never over does the violence going too over the top.
I loved the way it always left in the dark for a while then brought you up to speed later. It let you develop an opinion and then tested it.
The flashbacks to Dereks time in prison were a prefect example of this.
All in all this a film anyone can and will enjoy.
It Carry's a very important message. It shows that racism and hatred are both terrible things and don't get you anywhere they only come back and you and hurt you and the ones you love. It doesn't get you anywhere.
It shows we're all human beings regardless and we all capable of evil regardless of our colour or race.
The world is huge and destined to be united.
One of my favourite films definitely in my top 50.
9/10