Review of American History X (1998) by Matthew D — 26 May 2018

A touching and brutal look into the Neo-Nazi mindset.

Edward Norton and Edward Furlong are fantastic as Neo-Nazis. Norton gives off such raw emotion whether he is dictating an enraged Nazi propaganda speech to skinheads, telling his family his racial ideologies, or speaking to his brother about what he's learned. Norton clearly wants to ask you: "Can Neo-Nazis reform? Can they change?" At least, he shows you how they can come into being Nazis.

American History X is so powerful. It really speaks to the troubles we face even today. American History X paints a picture of how family, income, and one's outlook can depict and nurture or twist and warp someone into a hateful being. You get the background, the formation of a hate group, the people influencing them, the people that are trying to help these Nazis, and the few that may sincerely change and wake up from their hateful slumber.

The film itself is beautifully shot, switching from black and white sequences of the past that depict how this family fell apart. Then in color and gorgeous cinematography, how Edward Norton must take his family back and try to cut ties off of the white supremacist Neo-Nazis. It's all intense and suspenseful throughout, while also has brutal depictions of a very harsh life. Check American History X out for insights into our current era of hate and racially tense times. You might just learn something about yourself or at least see how others think.