American History X (DVD, 1999, Special Edition)

I was really surprised to see Edward Norton playing such a sick and sadistic character. This movie I do believe while disturbing is closer to the truth than many of us realize.
If you are looking to learn a little about racism this movie is a must see.
I will however say that this is not a movie for children! There is definitely a maturity level needed here.

Edward Norton and Eddie Furlong highlight this movie cast. This movie has some really tough to watch moments such as crushing a man's jaw/teeth into a concrete curb! Disturbing but realistic movie. The acting is superb and Norton really shows his talent in this movie. It's a shame that ideas and activities like this have really occurred. Keep it real - Increase the Peace! - Gene

Edward Norton does an amazing job in this movie about hatred and race. He portrays a horrible person that is a nazi and ends up going to prison for his crimes. In prison he groups with a gang full of other nazi's and realizes who he really is during this time. When he gets out of prison he trys to get his little brother out of the hatred group and succeeds but is it too late? You must watch this movie to find out what happens. It is one of the best movies I have ever seen in my life.

this is probobly the single greatest race reltions movie ever made. from the most devote racist to the biggest anti racist it will make all think and possibly change many peoples views.

I'm a huge Edward Norton fan...and it all started with Primal Fear in 1997, but American Hisotry X put it over the top.

There are deep racial tensions throughout this movie. Edward Norton plays a member of the Nazi-like Aryan nation. After killing an African-American man, he is sent to prison (but not for a long time). After serving a few years he is released, just as his brother is becoming involved deeply in the organization he chose to abandon.

If you are having a date over for a movie, don't do this one. However, it is a perfect addition to any DVD collection and is a must-see for fans of highly dramatic movies. The tension is deep and the message is something that should not be overlooked.

...Another review by Sublime Boutique.

The movie is mostly based on hatred between races. What is truely amazing about this movie is that the main character, Edward Norton, realizes that if you spend your life hating a race of people the only thing that is going to happen is self-destruction. This movie is brilliantly narated, and the actors are incredible. I absolutely hate what happens at the end, though.

Love this movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This movie shows that there are 2 sides two every story. Hard hitting, and thought provoking. On a personnel level this movie has shifted my views. You will remember this movie for the rest of your life.

While the movie started out with violence, it lends itself to how the main character, brilliantly portrayed by Edward Norton, evolved from an angry racist to a peacemaker. Norton has a truly chameleon-like skill as an actor.

I purchased this movie because it is one of my favorites! It shows what the real world is really like. This movie is very racist, which I do not like, but it shows how some people can act towards others in such cruel ways. This movie will open your eyes about how you feel about others, or how you act. It is a very powerful and touching movie. You will have tears.

I never expected Edward Norton to play a role like this so well. This movie definitely showed his range as an actor very very well.

This movie sheds a lot of light on what racism is really like. It's a big eye opener. I'm sure there is something that everyone can learn from seeing this movie.

This movie is, however, not for younger children. It's very graphic with violence, it has sexual content, and has nudity.

This has to be one of the best movies ever made!Great story line that really makes you look hard at the way you think and feel about racism in America.Would suggest that everybody over the age of 16 sees this film!

I WOULD HIGH RECOMMEND THIS INSPIRATIONAL MOVIE TO ANYONE, WHO APPRECAITE FREEDOM. I GOT TO ADMIT THE TALE OF THIS STORY WAS INCREDIBLE. IT GIVE ME A DEEP THOUGHT ON HOW AND WHAT WE DO IN LIFE CAN CHANGE IN AN INSTANT. LIFE HAS ITS FUN YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN DAY TO DAY. THERE ARE SO MANY TWIST AND TURNS. I AM GREATFUL WHAT I HAVE. WE ARE PUT ON EARTH FOR SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. WE GOT TO USE EVERY DAY, MINUTES AND SECONDS TO THE MAX.

I had seen the movie before and wanted to own it. It shows how prejudice can affect your life and others and how even the most extreme prejudice person can be changed.

This is an Edward Norton tour de force performance.

While we mostly picture racists as the KKK rednecks we see on Jerry Springer,
Norton shows brilliantly how an extremely intelligent person can be slowly misguided into a philosophy of hatred.

I would pay money just to watch the 30 seconds of Edward Norton's reaction after the basketball player is murdered.

Pretty violent film but will get your attention real fast. Ed Norton is at his best in this film playing a former neo-nazi trying to prevent his brother from going down the same path. A must have for any movie collection.

Such a good movie. Tells a real tale. Has a good lesson. Some of the lessons are smack you in the face good, and some are so subtle you might miss them. The performances are gripping. Norton is AWSOME!!!

A legend of life in film. A testimony of lesson every adult being should witness. Truly a miracle of arts. Norton is Godly. Suplee shows his true colors of ability in his early career, others are equally enjoyable. As one of the most dark and disturbing films I've ever seen it's equally one of the most impressionistic and hope inspiring as well. I would recommend this film to anyone who wants to be blown away.

I recently purchased the dvd movie American History X. I would recommend this movie to any mature audiences. It is a story of life choices, racisim, and the effects of racisim in society. Their is some violence and other things in the movie that you wouldnt want a small child seeing. It is really for teenagers and above, not suitable for children. Great movie though, I watched it a couple years back when it first came out. Most movies I dont like watching more than once but I could watch this movie over and over and it will never get old. It is a movie that you will always remember for it is so diffrent. The story of the movie actually teaches a lesson in a way, and it shows not to be a certain way which is racist. It takes the actions of certian people in the film and shows what happens when you act the way they did, and the consequences are not pretty. I do recommend this movie to anyone that is intrested in watching it for it is a good movie.

On the day that his older brother is due to be released from prison, student Danny Vinyard (Edward Furlong) turns in a paper praising Hitler's Mein Kampf to his Jewish teacher Murray (Elliot Gould). He is sent to the principal, Bob Sweeney (Avery Brooks) who assigns him another task. He gives him a day to complete an essay on the events that have shaped his life, including the events leading up to the imprisonment of his brother. The assignment will be called American History X.

Writing this essay provides the cinematic device to tell the story of Danny and his older brother Derek (Edward Norton). Derek has been imprisoned for the killing of two men who tried to steal his car one night. Derek didn't kill them because they were thieves but because they were black, and he had been the leader of a neo-Nazi, white-power group. Derek's hatred of blacks was triggered when his father, a fireman, was killed by drug-dealers (presumed black), who shot him as he attempted to put out a fire in a poor neighbourhood. Hooking up with a local white-power activist Cameron (Stacy Keach), he organises a group of white kids into an organised mob who terrorise local non-white owned businesses.

Derek's racism is directed at anyone he meets - he explodes with rage when he finds that Murray is friendly with his mother, because he is Jewish. So when he finds two black kids (one of whom he had encountered before) messing with his car, he has no hesitation in killing them. One of them survives the initial hail of gunfire but Derek finishes him off as he lies wounded on the footpath.

When Derek is released (after serving three years for manslaughter), he returns home to find his mother ( Beverly D'Angelo) and siblings living in a small, shabby apartment, and that Danny has become involved in the neo-Nazi movement. Derek's own reputation has been enhanced by his crime, but he wants nothing more to do with Cameron's activities, and is determined to stop his younger brother following in his footsteps. The film follows his attempt to explain to Danny how his life has changed, and Danny's own exploration of his family's past (through writing his essay).

Tony Kaye's film is a thoughtful and sometimes shocking account of a skinhead's descent into murder and his eventual attempt at rehabilitation. The film is driven by two outstanding performances, from Edward Norton and Edward Furlong. Norton is simply frightening as the hate-filled Derek, all shaven scowl and bedecked with swastika tattoos. His portrayal depicts a keen intellect corrupted by an unfocussed rage. However, Edward Furlong has arguably the harder role, as it is more subtle and less showy. As a gangly teenager, desperate for a sense of belonging, and looking for someone to look up to, Furlong's Danny looks as uncomfortable in his own body as he does in his surroundings. The film is sustained by the sheer power of their performances.

I love the movie..a friend of mine had never seen it and I couldn't find it in any stores here..so I got on ebay

Norton is powerful in American History X.
Norton's role as a young man who turned into a skinhead is convincing. The hate was first sparked by his father who happened to be murdered. His character, Dereck Vineyard, becomes angrier and so full of hate towards blacks that one night he murders two of them that try to break into his car.

Vineyard is sent to prison, serving 3 years. He finally wakes up and realizes his wrongs and wants to make a difference when he is let out.

Dereck's younger brother is headed down the same path of hate and anger towards blacks. When Dereck is let out, he explains to his younger brother how he's lost 3 years of his life and it's not worth what he put his family through. (I won't tell it all as I do not want to give the entire plot away)

I highly recommend this movie for mature audiences. There is a lot of language, violence and sex in this movie. It is not for someone who does not have a thick skin.

Even though this movie in fiction, it is convincing. The acting is excellent.

This movie is an insight of racial hate. Not just the Skinheads, but blacks too.

Filled to the brim with vulgarity, ugliness, nudity, sex and foul language this film is ideal for anyone facing a possible life with a skinhead or white supremist..Film shows just how twisted such groups thinking are and that hate breeds contempt...they use a demented maniac who attacked the USA in a twisted scheme to take over the world as their model for lack of a better term..that fact alone tells you these people need help...Film begins with the sad story of a Family torn apart by the death of the Father..the widowed Mother of 4 is left to raise her Children two boys and two Girls..while the Girls remained normal not surprising. the Boys in the Family developed a blind hatred for anyone not white or American..hello, Hitler wasn't American and was born of incest..after a few confrontations with several black groups the oldest Son kills two black men who attempt to break into his car..the sadist murders lands him in prison where every young hoodlum faces devine justice..only difference is despite himself he learns a valuable lesson, but does it come too late?? Upon his release he struggles to save his family..This film is filled with twists and turns the ending was a complete surprise..Viewers will love the storyline, the acting was stellar..Edward Norton, Avery Brooks and their co-stars do NOT disappoint!! I believe racists and skinheads will not like this film due to the fact they do not want to see themselves as we clear thinking humans see them..few people want to see their own ugliness and this film is filled with alot of ugliness..If you want to save your childs life I urge Parents to sit down with your children and watch this film and watch it in it's entirety, but be aware this film sends a strong message one that needs to be heeded!! I give this movie 5 out of 5 bars only coz I can't give it more!!