GENRE
Crime/Drama
STORYLINE
A former neo-nazi skinhead tries to prevent his younger brother from going down the same wrong path that he did.
DIRECTOR
Tony Kaye
CAST
Edward Norton
Edward Furlong
MY REVIEW
How many times would you find a movie with an excellent story and which is well supported by its cast. This film fits easily into such a category. I saw this film for its high IMDB rating and believe me this film does not disappoint. Such types of movie are rare and come once or twice in a decade.
The story is about a Neo-Nazi skinhead, Derek Vineyard (Edward Norton) who is the leader of a violent gang responsible for racial crimes throughout the city. His life changes when he is imprisoned for 3 years for brutally killing 2 Black men who were trying to steal his truck. The movie deals with how after coming out of prison he decides to bring his life back on track and help his younger brother Daniel Vineyard (Edward Furlong) who seems to be following his footsteps into the world of hate-crime.
American History X is one of those movies that never made big at the Box office despite the huge critical acclaim. The thing that works for this film is its unique storytelling. The movie has many black white sequences separating the colored ones. These scenes depict the past which includes Derek's racial crimes, his brutal killings and his hard time in jail. The colored sequences depict the present i.e Derek's release and he helping his brother to leave the world of hate-crimes.Reading this, 'Memento' would come in mind of many people but unlike Memento in this movie it is as if the sequences i.e colored and black- white seem to represent emotions. The Black and white sequences are used to represent a period of gloom, anger, violence and hatefulness while the colored sequences represent hope, peace and realization.Most of the Black and White sequences are told through the narration of Daniel which is a nice and well thought-out step by the makers.
Although this film is not a family film, every member of the family will learn from this movie and appreciate it. It is a powerful and an inspiring film. Yes, there is lot of violence and use of abuses is also very common but I feel this has been only done to make the movie as real and relatable as possible.
As for the performances , I feel this is Edward Norton's best performance so far. He is so convincing as the Neo- Nazi Skinhead that sometimes you get scared of this guy. The Black and white sequences are the best. This guy truly deserves a standing ovation for such a powerful role. Edward Furlong like in Terminator 2 has played a really well supporting role. At times the two leads really look like real brothers. The narration by Furlong is also great.
Don't go by this movie's small box office earnings. This movie is a must watch for all because of its powerful and moralistic nature.
MY RATING 9/10
TRAILER
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