This is not a happy film. American History X is a depressing, brutal, realistic film with Edward Norton and Edward Furlong receiving top-billing. Both give phenomenal performances and is arguably the best of Norton's career. This is a film so controversial, it proves a lot.This is the story of Derek Vinyard (Norton), a man who makes parole after serving three years in prison after performing acts of murder (which eventually becomes a hate crime) on two men who try to break into his father's truck. Later on, viewers learn that he influenced his brother, Danny (Furlong), as a skinhead the leader of a neo-nazi, white-supremacist organization.
After learning his lesson throughout prison and clean as a whistle, Derek contacts the gang and their leader Cameron Alexander (Stacy Keach), telling him that he wants out. While doing this, he tries to prevent Danny from going down the same path he did.Despite having a typical name for a violent drama, this film is beyond that. It left me surprised and shocked after seeing the ending. It is more than controversial as well - showing how racism can destroy a family as a whole. The performances by the family and teacher Dr. Sweeney (Avery Brooks) are out-of-this-world and I recommend some of Furlong's filmography, even if some of it is subpar.
American History X is a surpassing film among others, even if it isn't perfect. The film is very graphic, and has a reason for its R rating; however, it should be shown to any developing teenager and older to show the consequences of racism and how unnecessary it is. This film receives a 3.5/4.
