American History X

American History X - 2004

Runtime 119 minutes - New Line Cinema

Featuring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong

Reviewing one of the best written movies of all time is difficult to do. American History X brings the reality of racism to a level unseen since Gene Hackman's Mississippi Burning debuted. It's a movie that can be understood, respected, and appreciated by all races...by whites and blacks alike. Edward Norton plays the role of Derek Vinyard (the leader of a group of young white supremacists) in the most believeable way...the evil in his eyes...the hate in his voice. Derek grew up the son of a police officer who was tragically killed. He ultimately became the man of the house and through his hatred of others, his mother's new boyfriend didn't stick around long. The racially degrading and violent tone portrayed by Norton was a role for the ages. He brought to life what is more than real...a hidden group of white men and women whose beliefs on the superior race are worth fighting for. Derek Vinyard found himself incarcerated for 3 years after a late night incident in front of his house. He shot a black man and curbed another...dropped to his knees in the middle of the street...the swastica glistened is the streetlights as he was handcuffed and led away. While locked up, he experienced the 'real world' where no superior race exists...where you broker and deal with each other to establish dominance...where the Nazis barter with the Latinos. He was disgusted because like many other white supremicists, Derek took his beliefs seriously...no matter what.

Derek learned his lesson the hard way...after being gang raped in the shower...and befriending the 'black man' in the laundry room. He formed friendships with the least expected...partnerships with the minorities...he accepted the error of his ways and was determined to become a better man. When he returned home from prison, Derek found that his younger brother Danny fell into the life that he left behind. He was completely absorbed by it all...desiring to become as reputable as his brother. The character of Danny was played by Edward Furlong...a high school kid who revels in the same hatred possessed by Derek. Now that he's free, it's up to Derek to save his younger brother...to show him that anger fueled his hatred...that what he believed was right was ultimately wrong. It becomes a race against time in this passion fueled drama about deep seeded racism within a family...a family divided.

For those who have never seen this film - you're missing out on the most well scripted storyline ever. American History X tells a story...it feeds off the division of the races...it has an ending you would never expect. I will not ruin that ending for you. Rent it today and sit back for the ride...it may prove to educate you in the least expected way. Edward Norton will prove to captivate you...

After all...hate is baggage...