Synopsis:

Edward Norton sets the bar for a brave and strong performance as Derek Vinyard, a Neo Nazi skinhead in urban Los Angeles.  After a horrific display of brutality that makes me cringe as I write this, Derek is incarcerated and "enlightened" on his racism by inmates.  After his release, Derek begins to see that his younger brother is becoming just as wicked as he was.

The Freak's Rating: A : I would ask anyone who considers rating this less than an A to reconsider what actually makes a great movie.  To me a great movie moves you and I can't imagine this not causing emotion from anyone who sees it.  This is without a doubt the most overlooked performance an actor has ever given.  Up against Roberto Benigni from Life Is Beautiful, Edward Norton lost the Best Actor Oscar in an awards ceremony that had me screaming at the screen for its disgrace. 

Currently I live in a predominantly white part of America.  When this film was released, I was managing a video store with people of all colors as patrons.  This was at the top of my employee recommendation list for all people, white and black.  I remember once being talked to by the owner of the store, him saying "maybe you shouldn't be recommending a Neo Nazi film to our African-American clientele?".  I remember telling him that if they didn't get why I would recommend this, they shouldn't be coming in our store in the first place.  This movie is about change and how hate breeds hate (like Brian says).  It has some of the toughest scenes you'll ever watch in it, but you can't seem to turn away.  Following up Primal Fear with this made Norton one of my favorite actors.

This was my favorite movie of 1998, blowing everything else away.  Performances, cinematography, pacing, direction and writing are all phenomenal.  The only things keeping this from perfect are a few lackluster writing turns in respect to the little brother's dialogue and sub-par acting by Ethan Suplee as Seth.  Every now and then a movie is extremely harsh, but you feel that everyone should see it.  Jen & I often discuss how in the future we will filter R-rated movies to our children that hold messages more profound than their obscenities or brief nudity.  American History X is one I'd love to watch with my teenager and discuss for hours afterward.

Angie's Rating: A+ : This is a powerful, stark drama that focuses on racism and hate.  I loved the screenplay in this film and the acting is superb!  The only reservation I would have in recommending it to anyone is the language and violence.  It is harsh and nonforgiving in this film... if you can't deal with that, catch it on TV sometime!  It's dialed down a notch on the regular cable channels.  If you are a fan of Edward Norton it's a must see.

Jen's Rating: A+ : This is a powerful movie, one everyone should watch!  A great example that people can change.

Brian's Rating: B+ : Hate breeds hate.  That is the message I walked away from after seeing this movie.  The movie gives an up front look at what racism means to a family in California, and how it ruined their lives.  It also give a perspective on the Skinheads that I have never seen before.  Before seeing this movie, they were nothing more than a news article for me, or a spectacle on a clip from Jerry Springer.

The acting is very good in the film, with many familiar cast members from Star Trek, My Name is Earl, CSI: NY, and others.

The movie paints a seemingly accurate picture of what hate-mongering and racism will do to a person, and a family.  Growing up in the upper midwest, I never really experienced or witnessed racism personally, so its hard to understand exactly how much of a problem it is.  This movie helps give a glimpse of a perspective.

Sebastian's Rating: A+ : Edward Norton has always been one of my favourite actors of all time. Being in my favourite movie fight club and others such as red dragon, and the 25th hour. Yet alone being in some enjoyable films recently such as the incredible hulk or movies such as the illusionist. I only saw this movie today, but it has proven to probably be his best.

comment here to add your review!