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violence justified

Much has been said about the amount of violence in the film American History X. I've read comments to the effect that the violence in this film is unnecessary, that we should not be so mesmerized by it, and that a good movie need not show such horror.I have a differing viewpoint on this. Gratuitous violence in a form of entertainment can have an adverse effect on society to a certain degree. The issue I take is with people who say that the violence in this movie and others like it is unnecessary.The real reason that people are afraid of the violence in this movie is because this is a truthful representation of hate. Those who truly hate others for the color of their skin, their religion, or national origin are prone to this type of violence.I live in Pennsylvania. This state has the second highest number of hate groups in the country. I have seen the damage that hate has done to people, the violence that is done against those who are different. This film is an accurate representation of that violence.The movie also flawlessly points out that this hatred of those who are different does not lie with one particular race of people. The ending, which many have complained is not surprising enough for them, shows the vicious circle that mindless hate can cause. Hate is a learned thing, whether it is white people hating black because parents have handed that down over generations, or black people hating white for trying to keep them down. No one is inherently better than anyone else: it's time we learned that.The only other thing I have to say about this film is to praise the impeccable performance of Edward Norton as the young man who learns that hate kills the hard way. I fully agree with critics who the week before the Academy Awards stated that Edward Norton would not win only because of his age and inexperience on the Hollywood scene. His portrayal of the teenager who falls into hate and the young man who is hauled out of it by circumstances is superb, and if he had had even one prior nomination, I believe that he would have won the Oscar.

We are all racsist to a degree..

and I for one liked the film for it's brutal honest opening. That kindof crime does happen and it's good to see it out in the open where wecan all be affected by it. Ed Norton gives a great performance thatwould of fallen far short of the mark had it been acted out by MattDamon or a Chris O'Donnell. Ed nails it with all the fury and hatredthat boils up and out from his maddening existence! He does what manyhave done and many more will do. When we can't accept that our fate isin our own hands and of our own choosing, we lash out at who or whomeverwe feel is responsible! We all do it to each other in one way oranother.
It may not be a masterpiece like the Godfather, but it has enough goodmoments to make it stick in your mind and that alone makes it a prettydecent film. How many of you can remember much about the last 25 moviesyou spent 9-10 bucks on? But how many of you, 5 years later, still hearthe cracking of the skull on the curb? How many still see the insanedemonic eyes of Ed Norton's character as the cops drag h

Disturbing And Confronting, But Worth Seeing.

It can be fairly stated that in the long history of film, the most powerful stories are those of racial prejudice. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (1962), 'A Time to Kill' (1996), 'The Hurricane' (1979), to name a few. Amongst these classics can be credited 'American History X'. A lot like the 1993 Australian movie 'Romper Stomper', the film gives a brutally honest and uncensored insight into the mindset surrounding violently racist groups and the concept of white supremacy.The story takes place in Venus Beach, California, and is narrated by Danny Vineyard (Edward Furlong), who is typically confused about his life and the world he's in. Danny is the youngest boy in the Vineyard family, whose have been degenerating into a state of poverty and illness since Danny's father was killed in a fire. The story revolves, however, around Danny's big brother Derek (Edward Norton), leader of local white power groups and a Neo-Nazi icon in Venus Beach. Derek has been in prison ever since his raging anger at the world, expressed through violent racism, resulted in the murder of two young black boys two years ago. Derek realizes that his anger and prejudice will not do him any good in jail, and during his imprisonment he befriends a young black man who shows him the error of his ways.When Derek is released from prison, however, he is faced with a community that still believes what he taught them. His racist groups, his girlfriend, and his little brother all expect the Derek that left them behind. A new man, and afraid for the safety of his family, Derek starts doing everything in his power to reverse what he has set in motion. But what he sees as an awakening his followers see as a betrayal, and Derek is horrified to find that the things he has done and the people he has touched may bring down upon him and his family terrible consequences that are no longer his desire nor in his control.'American History X' is one of those films that leave an audience at a loss for words. Directed by Tony Kaye (who incidentally was appalled with the final result), it uses a mixture of flashbacks, current day images and analytical narration to portray the circumstances and psychology that leads people to adapt racist views.One of the things about the film that is so confronting is that, for a while, it feels like it is actually supporting racism. It is only when the story is well underway that we begin to see the true colors of the film, and it is from he that the message is slowly established.Acting performances from the supporting cast are all thoroughly convincing and have definite moments. Furlong, too, gives a stellar performance as the confused and angry yet intelligent and kind young Danny. But the spotlight is securely on Edward Norton, whose blows minds with his amazing transformation from shy and downtrodden choir boy in 'Primal Fear' to buff, angry and violent Neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard. Norton's sublime acting skills give much to this powerful film.Ultimately, 'American History X' is a film that shows how hate goes in circles. In a world where lives are ended every day and hate and injustice are in the air we breathe, the movie is a very open portrayal of the things that spawn that hate and injustice. Although it is, at time, very graphic and disturbing, it is a film that everyone could benefit from seeing.

A microcosm of racism prevalent everywhere in the USA

I watched this movie for the first time this year (2006) when a friend of mine lent me this,. I had heard about it and wondered but had no idea of what to expect. It is the most powerful movie I have ever seen in my forty nine years. I had recently returned from Los Angeles and the beach area after having experienced real life gangs there and was working on a novel following up on these experiences. I don't know if we can ever really solve the underlying racial attitudes that prevail in this country. I also saw much of the 'white backlash' recently when I was out there and saw all of the characters as believable (both white and black) portraying the different gangs and why they hate each other and are ready to take it to the death. I feel this movie will help young people try and realize the consequences of racial escalation. I unfortunately feel that this country will never solve this and understandably the movie leads us to believe this also. The best lesson is it takes the consequence of violence to either change or manipulate behavior. As shown, it can go from one extreme to the other without resolve. Be prepared with this movie as it leaves no judgement with either white nor black...

A brutal masterpiece of a film

By the time I was done watching the 2-hour epic "American History X," I was so stunned that I could hardly speak. My mouth was gaping with the marveling awe of impeccable filmmaking by director Tony Kaye, the tears were flowing freely from my eyes, and my heart stung with the emotional intensity of the film. It is, in a word, a masterpiece of modern film art.

Edward Norton perhaps has hit the high point of his career here as skinhead Derek Vinyard. Vinyard is a brutal white supremist who, after being sent to jail for three years, comes back to Venice, California to find that his younger brother, Danny, (superbly acted by the talented and underrated Edward Furlong of "Terminator 2: Judgment Day") is heading in the same direction as he once was. And now, being a changed man, Derek must stop his younger brother from the same fate.

The film works well with black-and-white flashbacks that brutally bite into the present day and show the audience a unique blend of Derek and Danny's past lives together. It develops almost backwards through the flashbacks, starting out with the most recent events and gradually treading back through the sludge of mistakes and sorrows that the Vinyard family has previously gone through. It works through these flashbacks brilliantly, not dulling the rest of the story at all, until the unforgettable explosive climax that stings the back of the mind long after watching "American History X."

Norton carries his own in this film. The thing I like about Norton's acting is that he never tries the same thing twice. He's always a different character in every film, which makes him such a profound actor of this time with the bland Steven Seagall and Jean-Claude Van Damme movies that keep on coming out with seemingly no end. And Furlong takes a wild ride as Danny here in the role of his lifetime. Although Furlong has unfortunately been in a limited few films, he shines here. He makes every word he says entirely believable and captures his character's burning intensity extremely well. Beverly D'Angelo has a small part in this film as well, yet despite her character's few scenes, D'Angelo, as Doris Vinyard, the emotionally wounded mother of Derek and Danny, does so well here that you can just feel her pain come right through the screen. She does her best acting in "American History X" and should have been commended with at least an Oscar nomination (but then again, Norton himself should have grabbed an Oscar and unfortunately didn't).

"American History X" is a tragic film, and not one that should be watched by just any person. It's perhaps one of the most brutal films of the year, next to Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan," and has an intensity shining within that jolts a viewer. But it is a masterpiece, maybe even more so than some thought "Private Ryan" was. The impeccable acting, the agonizing content, the savage way of portraying it... It'll blow you away after every time you see it. And even after that, you'll want to go back and watch it again.

Top Notch Film

I have seen American History X several times and now own the DVD. This is a superb film, with focus on Edward Norton's character, "Derek Vineyard." Derek is a neo-Nazi growing up in Venice Beach, CA. The film is very moving and a realistic account of race relations in Southern California, and also of the inner workings of prison life. The ending of the film was a bit sad, and was probably the weakest part of the film, in my opinion. The film moves along superbly, however, after Derek is released from Prison, he is a changed person, and in my opinion, I'm not so sure he would have done a complete 180 like that, however, it makes sense for the films sake. All in all, this is very watchable. Certainly a rated R movie, very graphic and strong language.

Conversion

American History X was an amazing movie in that it centered around Derek Vinyard a troubled young man struggling with being a racist. Derek's racial views greatly impact his family and their lives. Daniel, Derek's younger brother takes up Dereks bad habits after an unexpected change occurs. Daniel, now a troubled young teen himself follows in Derek's footsteps. The movie did an excellent job showing how one's thoughts and conversion from one lifestyle to another can effect other individuals lives. Dereks conversion was certainly unexpected by Daniel but greatly admired by the rest of the family. Derek's conversion created a ripple effect and influenced many others. Good movie.

PROVOCATIVE AND EMOTIONALLY CHARGED MASTERPIECE

THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF LONG, DETAILED REVIEWS WRITTEN FOR THIS FILM SO I AM GOING TO WRITE ONE THAT GETS STRAIGHT TO THE POINT- THIS FILM IS CHALLENGING, INSIGHTFUL AND EMOTIONALLY REWARDING AND NORTON'S PERFORMANCE IS AWESOME. FURLONG IS ALSO EXCELLENT. THE FILM WAS CRITICISED FOR STEREOTYPING BUT I THINK THAT "DANNY'S" BEAUTIFUL RESOLUTION MAKES HIM A VERY NON-TYPICAL KID AND "SWEENEY" IS NOT AN OVER-EXAGGERATED, UNREALISTIC CARICATURE AS I KNOW SOMEONE VERY MUCH LIKE HIM. THIS IS JUST A POWERFUL, SUPERBLY ACTED FILM AND WHILST IT MAY HAVE SOME FLAWS IN ITS PRESENTATION, THE MESSAGE IS AN IMPORTANT AND PAINFULLY RELEVANT ONE. DON'T MISS.

One Of The Best Movies Of All Times

This movie is incredible. I've watched it 36 times, and I still want to watch it more. I cry every time I see the ending (I am 6''8 320 lbs)

The most powerful movie ever made!

I saw American History x shortly after i had seen 'Primal Fear'and i could not believe Edward Norton! He is incredible, even though Primal Fear was his first ever major movie role it was probably one of his best ever and definitely the best performance of 1996.Then i see American History x and i was mesmerised by this young mans acting capabilities in any role he takes and this has to be his most bravest and best, why he did not get an Oscar i do not know. I mean obviously the film is very strong and a right heartbrake but then again people forget that this still is what goes on sometimes in America. Racism is still often going on and fights. Thats why this is such a powerful and important picture because in some ways what you see most of the movie is probably true and it shows you what being ignorant and racist can lead to and Edward's character Derek Vinyard will soon find that out.Altogether the acting,cinematography and the story make this film an easy 10 out of 10.

A bone chilling , masterpeice of history!

I'm 14 years old...I found some images in this movie definatly to be disturbing , I would not recommend this movie for anyone under 16 or even 18...Edward Norton (Fight club) is an esquisite actor and portrays a wonderfull part in this movie , along with Edward Furlong(Terminator 2). Edward N. plays Derek Vinyard , a young raceist , white male.Edward F.plays Danny Vinyard , Dereks younger brother , who is headed down the same path his brother went.I think this movie is based on how if one person can change , so can every one else , it just takes time...The movie deals with heavy violence tward diff. minorities.I feel it's more a work of art than that of a movie.I definatly give this movie *****FIVE STARS***** and two thumbs up.So if you are in the mood for a good tear jerker or just a drama with an excellent story American History X is the movie you need!

One truly vivid, powerful film

This is quite possibly the most vivid film I have ever seen. It fears nothing, not holding back for the sake of the status quo in what films are allowed to show. And the message it sends is an important one: that hate is a terrible thing to have.The acting is stellar, in particularly by Edward Norton, whom i believe was oscar-deserving in this and is one of the best actors around. He really plays two roles in this, and does both fantasticly. His diction is strong, and his expressions are as well. The look he gives his brother after murdering 2 men is the most chilling look I have seen in film. Norton is absolutely fantastic. Also brilliant is Avery Brooks, whose voice is tremendous.The directing and structure of this film is great. The Black and white and the water serve as important symbols. The story is well told and done in an original way. It has very few flaws, in particular the overdone prison rape scene, although really graphic in this film. Also the ending is disturbingly unresolved, although that could also work to its advantage. Overall, the film is superbly done in every way. I highly recommend it.

This movie was great

If you think racism isn't alive anymore it just went away think again. I never really thought about racism to much. Then when I was in NJ visiting family I saw this movie. This movie teaches you so much about racism more then any school could ever teach you. All of the actors in the movie were incredible and i really like the movie.

the real treasure of hatred

I gave this movie a solid 8 and it came real close to sliding into a 9 spot. The violence and language is not for the tender. The brutality of the body and spirit is necessary for the story line. The movie would lose its gut impact without it. Gut impact is a good word for the feeling this movie renders.This film is not center staging violence nor does it take the easy road with quick glimpses of passionate sex. The star is an emotion. It has survived since the beginning of time. Sometimes it appears to be the only thing that lasts. This emotion is hatred. We watch as a family unravels before our eyes because of hatred then tries to mend itself by changing course.The movie does a real good job of showing both sides of the tracks. It covers some real tough social and economic problems that are too often and incorrectly tagged to a certain group. Derek, the skinhead, does have some real true issues and is a hurting being, like many other humans in this world. He is a section of society that feels left out and left behind and becomes angry about it. He makes some good points and some obnoxious points. He falls into a pit that all bigots descend into by concluding that society's problems would be eliminated with certain groups being exterminated and or severely controlled. The story is not totally one sided as many times it's simply survival of the strong. It's kind of like living on the grasslands of Africa where there are predators and prey. In this case blacks and whites prey on each other as well as being a cannibalistic beast so to speak. Sometimes they are living in fear and are just trying to survive. When you deal with hatred one can't dance with the devil without getting a little stain on one's dress. In the case of Derek's family the stain runs deep. We all may be quick to judge one of these groups, but we never know what our reactions would be unless we have been in their shoes and had to survive.Edward Norton plays Derek perfectly. I have never seen an actor look like a mean and nasty neo-nazi skinhead one-minute and then a pencil pushing office room geek the next. The change was due to Derek's epiphany he had in prison and the help of a good-natured high school teacher. While in prison, Derek learned what brutality is and that skin color or a matching tattoo does not guarantee loyalty and sincerity. He found that skin color is only a difference and should not be a guidance system to hate. He realizes the bigger picture and then discovers guilt. He learns life is too short. He must carry his guilt that only becomes a bigger burden once freedom rings.This movie is a very good movie and portrays hatred as purely evil and rightly so. In this movie it's not all whitey or blackie's fault. I applaud the movie for that. Sometimes a movie similar to this makes blacks look all bad or that all whites hate everyone different from themselves. In this movie both groups are brutalized and each ones actions, while being a horrible injustice, may be more understandable if we lived in their world. There would have been a few things I would have done differently in this movie as a director, but not much. My score of 8 is a score that I do not give out very often. I would not recommend this movie to everyone and especially young kids who are easily impressionable. I know many feel this movie reveals only the evil side but a person, that relates to one of these groups, might concentrate or only feel the raw power in the violence and find it mesmerizing. Not a movie for everyone!

amazing...

This film is possibly one of the most well handled and riveting films on this subject ever.Realistic, suspenseful, horrific and probably the first film which had the tears rolling in many moons. Oscars for all involved.

Powerful Stuff

American History X follows the first 24-hours of freedom of a reformed neo-Nazi skinhead (Norton) in Los Angeles after serving 3-years for a brutal crime. Most of the film is flashback (in black and white) illustrating the progression of a relatively normal working class kid from average joe to a virulent hate-filled racist, and how 3 years at Chino causes a spiritual awakening and repudiation of his past.American History X is kept from being a great movie by its preachiness, and a failure to resolve and/or explain some of its sub-plots and currents.American History X is a powerful film with large doses of physical and emotional violence, and it definately deserves its R rating. It is a must rental for those adults not easily offended. B+

what happens next

I worked at a video store at the time of this movies release. At first i wasn't interested, then as boredom set in I read the back. It sounded different from the average movie(and I've seen a lot). I took it home to watch. I, for the 2 hours of the play, was mesmerized by the transformation Derek Vinyard had to undergo. My comment is more of a question. Its obvious the movie could have gone on for another hour, to explaining what happened or didn't happen. And I think viewers should see this. I am a white male. I have had many black friends. Some of whom have been better friends than most. The problem of racism will go on long after my lifetime. It doesn't just effect blacks. It affects everyone, both sides of the fence. We need to come together. We need...love.

Wonderful performance by Norton

This movie would not have been as believable if Edward Norton was not in it. His almost maniacal performance is simply astounding. You can see it in his eyes, he takes this role 100% seriously. It truly is probably his best performance to date and surely worthy of the Oscar nomination. I sometimes find him to be understated, but there is no mistaking that in this film. He owns this role and he is the reason to see this film.


That said, the film itself is nothing truly innovative or spectacular, the subject matter isn't original or shocking, but it did hook me in regardless. Again, the acting made it believable. The prison scenes were an eye opener, thought a tad on the cliché side, but I couldn't help but be moved.


The ending, for me, almost didn't make any sense in the grand scheme of things, but I think the director ended it exaclty where it was supposed to end. In my mind, it could have gone a little longer in regards to an extended ending. Actually, doing some research, I read that a longer ending was planned, but never filmed. If it was, it would have been purely for the shock value.

I would recommend this film to anyone that wants a good story with wonderful performances.

the greatest movie ever made

american history x is the best movie ever made. amazing performances by edward norton and edward furlong make this one of the most emotional movies of all time. it made such an impact that when i left the sold out theater, not a single person said a word as they were leaving.

eXcellent, eXcellent, eXcellent.

i suppose that ed norton's character in primal fear was, in fact, his breakout role, the one that got him recognized. and he did a spectacular job. but honestly, edward norton in american history x eclipses any other norton role - and just about any other actor of his generation.the hate that exists in the pre-jail derek is frighteningly real. i watch and want to fight him and all the rest of their cowardly contingent. and that's what i love about this movie. especially with the opening scene... it just replays in your head. i wasn't expecting much from edward furlong, but he played his character very well and added a lot to the movie that otherwise wouldn't have been there. you can really get a sense of the product-of-your-environment, confused and insecure kind of kid he is. the ending was a little predictable, but it was powerful. it was graphic, but not overly so. and derek's (norton) reaction, running through the school, collapsing in the bathroom seemed perfect. overall, an excellent, excellent, eXcellent film. one of the best.