American History X (1998)

Posted : 1 month ago at Oct 19 7:19

I don't think I need to explain why this movie is good. It has a fantastic script on occasion, and the film as a whole is very emotionally appealing and it makes the viewer feel most of the things the characters in the film are feeling. At moments like that, it is filmmaking at it's finest. However when it starts rubbing those moments into your face it really starts to loose it's steam. There are really only two issues I have with the entire film; first of all, the destruction of the nazi-iconography is a scene where we are obviously supposed to feel ashamed alongside the main characters. This feeling though... it simply does not transmit to my side of the screen. To me the entire scene is just an overblown punch to the face of every neo-nazi on earth. I don't think that's a bad thing over...Read more

Rating : 8/10

Posted : 11 months, 1 week ago at Dec 13 12:43

I adore this movie... I dont love Ed Norton as much as i used to (since thinking he could do Hulk better... Hulk is awful generally it cannot be done well) but after watching this again recently, I can see why I used to think he was so marvellous.

Posted : 1 year, 1 month ago at Oct 21 23:41

"American History X" is one of those films that you just can't forget. It is so well made, and teaches so many lessons,it is just unforgettable. Edward Norton is truly amazing in the role as Derek Vinyard. When I say amazing, I mean he could not have been better. He really made this film superb. The rest of the cast was great as well, including Edward Furlong as Danny Vinyard, Beverly D'Angelo as their mother Doris Vinyard, and Elliot Gould as Murray. It is an all-star cast. The cast isn't the only positive aspect of this film. The story is highly entertaining as well. It is definitely one of the more entertaining stories I have ever watched. It features every great aspect required for a superb story. The way Derek Vinyard transforms himself is amazing. He goes from nazi skinhead, to a ...Read more

Rating : 9/10

Posted : 1 year, 6 months ago at May 4 7:51

"We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained we must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be by the better angels of our nature." I doubt that the true profound impact of American History X can be accurately described using words. I had wanted to see this film for such a long time but I could never get my hands on a copy. People had told me what a powerful and amazing film American History X turned out to be. Upon finally approaching the film, I was completely bewildered and blown away. The film is a brilliant, atmospheric tale of redemption told with disturbing images and heavy adult themes. I was left speechless as the credits started to roll. Derek Vinyard...Read more

Rating : 8/10

Posted : 2 years, 3 months ago at Aug 12 10:52

A superb film, definitely one of my favourites of all time. Norton's character is portrayed outstandingly and it is amazing to see just how much muscle mass he has managed to put on just for this role! Seeing the sort of neighbourhood his character grows up in and how his behaviour impacts on the rest of his family after the death of his father is really quite moving. You feel a real sense of gloom, with nothing but bad things destined for Norton and his brother. The scene which shows why Norton is sent to prison is horrifying, but perhaps even more unnerving is the sick smile on his characters face as the police swoop to arrest him. Cue a stint in prison and Norton is a changed man. Much more likable, mature and willing to help his family rather than drag them into the ground. The sens...Read more

Rating : 10/10

Posted : 2 years, 10 months ago at Jan 10 15:22

You will hate Edward Norton's character in the beginning of this movie. It's not just that you realize that he's a bad guy, or that he's a racist, or that you know he's doing something wrong. Norton does an amazing job of making you *hate* him.

Luckily there's his redemption that happens, as well as an epiphany and a lot of education. That's about all I can say without giving away more of the movie.

Rating : 8/10