When he discusses his beliefs, it would be easy for the audience to agree with him, until he erupts into violence. Only then do you question what he has said. Edward Furlong as Danny shows incredible range and skill. In part of the film, Danny is a confident sixteen year old who is following in his brother's footsteps. In other parts, he is a confused thirteen year old who isn't really sure what to do.
Furlong plays both ages well, with a definite difference between the two.
In the parts of the film that take place after Derek is out of prison, there is incredible tension. You know something is going to happen to Derek and his family, but you are never sure what. This foreboding of violence makes each small moment in the film that much more effective, and the eventual outcome surprising. This film generated a bit of controversy when it came out, as the director Tony Kaye claimed that Edward Norton took over the editing and made changes Kaye didn't agree with. Kaye subsequently fought to remove his name from the picture and took out ads in trade publications denouncing the film.