Review of American History X (1998) by Michael D — 30 Sep 2014

American History X was made in 1998, yet it does not feel outdated in today's society. It feels like the action in this movie could happen somewhere in the streets today. Sure we have made strides in racism, but just because we have a black president doesn't make it all go away.

This film and Fight Club, released in the same year, made Edward Norton a mega movie star. To me, his is in the top 5 of male actors. His range is unbelievable and his acting superb. And in this movie, it could never be more evident.

This is a violent look into race and gang warfare in America. The reason the movie is still relevant is because gang violence isn't going away anytime soon. The crazy thing that has changed is now there is even more fighting among same race gangs.

The movie starts out with a bang, and another, and several more, followed by one of the more graphic, repulsive, violent deaths in cinema history. It shows how hatred can turn people to gangs, and how it rips families apart. Norton plays Derek Vinyard, a skin head loving Nazi that goes down as the local gang's hero after a series of killings and jail time.

But in jail, Vinyard gets is comeupings and then some. He has to worry about rival gangs and just trying to stay alive. After prison life, things are very different yet still complicated for Vinyard and his brother Danny, played by Edward Furlong. You can see the range of Norton's acting through this part of the movie.

The film is raw and passionate at the same time. You see Derek Vinyard's trail into dissention through many flashbacks throughout the movie. You see what changed him into a neo-Nazi, and then what changed him in prison. He is an anti-hero; you feel sorry for him and want his life to get better. It shows you how life is not black and white, but shades of grey in-between.

This is a hard hitting movie. It deals with an issue rarely talked about. It is a must see movie, put it in your bucket list if you haven't. And if I was a teacher or parent who lives in a bad neighborhood where gangs run rampant, I would show it to my kids, despite its R rating. Honestly I think it's a must see for any kid once they hit their teens. This movie can be that impactful. I'm sure hope it has detoured some from gang life.