Review - American History X

Despite American History X being made in 1998, it still packs a punch even after repeated viewings.

You can sum up the plot in a few words -

A former neo-nazi skinhead (Edward Norton) tries to prevent his younger brother (Edward Furlong) from going down the same wrong path that he did.



I love everyone this much!



This however doesn't do the film any justice at all, it is much more than just a straight redemption story. It is a film about family, loss, grief and anger and how under certain circumstances this can impact the way you think, act and feel.



Despite the entire cast being just about perfect, this is Edward Norton's film.



Playing Derek Vinyard with such an under current of sadness stuck beneath a seething, boiling anger, it makes him a compelling character and add to this his charisma and you end up with a total dangerous but totally believable character. Ed Furlong does a great job as Derek s younger brother walking the same path that Derek has walked, these on screen brothers bring a true representation of what family means to both of the characters. A special mention must go to Ethan Suplee, he is totally reprehensible as Seth and is a sight to behold. An amazing performance despite a small amount of screen time andone that would be easy to overlook in a film like this.

Given the films problems which involved Ed Norton re-editing the film, the director Tony Kaye wanting to take his name off the film and a bunch of other issues, it is remarkable just how good this film is.

A slightly simplistic view of race hate groups and the whole black Vs white thing, but the message is clear for all to see, certainly a very powerful film, with its ending still effective despite the massive foreshadowing of what is to come, in the films final few moments.