American History X (1998)

[VampAurora]

Storyline:
Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two thugs who tried to break into/steal his truck. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.

Additional Information:

Directed by: Tony Kaye
Produced by: John Morrissey
Written by: David McKenna
Narrated by Edward Furlong, Edward Norton

Starring: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Fairuza Balk, Stacy Keach, Elliott Gould, Avery Brooks, Beverly D'Angelo
Music by: Anne Dudley
Cinematography: Tony Kaye
Editing by: Gerald B. Greenberg, Alan Heim

Distributed by: New Line Cinema
Release date: October 30, 1998
Running time: 119 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $20 million
Box office: $23,875,127

Critiques:

"A shockingly powerful screed against racism that also manages to be so well performed and directed that it is entertaining as well." Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune

"Feels as true as a documentary, as painful as a blow to the heart." Shawn Levy, Portland Oregonian

"What makes this film so powerful is that its unanswered questions force the audience to examine hate and its consequences making American History X one lesson you can't miss." Christopher Brandon, TNT RoughCut

"Despite a cheap, Hollywood ending and despite Kaye's kooky campaign, X is a killer." Norman Green, Film.com

"Such an ambitious, well-acted film that it's easy to overlook its flaws as relatively minor." Craig Marine, San Francisco Examiner

[VampAurora]

VampAurora's Critique:

A great movie about racism, a movie-lesson in my opinion. Stunning performance by Edward Norton who is just perfectly attached to the role. Great scenario, "tough" scenes. A movie you have to watch, no matter what, just don't miss it.

Rating: 9/10

[PeterSmart]

Hi, guys! In addition to above all, you can also read an excellent essay which explains the American History from the moment it has been discovered: *