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American History X
Violence and racism lurks around the life of Derek Vinyard, as he struggles with his own deeply ingrained prejudices and watches their mother grow sicker, Derek wonders if his family can overcome a lifetime of hate.
29 August 1938, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
May1970, Gary, Indiana, USA
20 October 1950, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA
23 February 1966, Wisconsin, USA
25 May 1976, Manhattan, New York, USA
8 April 1963, Belize City, British Honduras
22 January 1980, Long Island, New York, USA
22 February 1948, Paterson, New Jersey, USA
25 April 1979, Key Largo, Florida, USA
6 January 1976, Bellflower, California, USA
10 August 1935, San Diego, California, USA
7 February 1992, California, USA
1972
4 January 1938, Dublin, Ireland
August 19, 2011
A well-made, well-acted and often violent film that offers a compelling portrait of redemption and the destructive nature of racism.May 25, 2009
If didactic and overwrought at times, it's also powerful and persuasive. [Blu-ray]February 14, 2001
Though well-intentioned, turns out to be a simplistic and unconvincing look at a serious problem.July 23, 2007
Any idiot can make us wince at the ugliness of beatings and shootings.May 16, 2012
American History X advocates that "those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it"? It's a powerful social document and should be part of your film watching curriculum.April 16, 2009
...a violent film on a weighty topic...frank and honest, its characters, actions, and ideas compelling the viewer to look further and become involved.June 24, 2006
Two things hold the interest: Norton's astounding performance, and a feeling for the male reality of reactionary working class environments.December 14, 2010
This dark drama is not for kids.January 01, 2000
This journey to unpleasantville is too often manipulative and strains to maintain tension.October 07, 2002
The problem is that Kaye, who's used to selling cars on TV, shoots Derek the Hater as lovingly as he would a new Volkswagen.August 19, 2011
Norton is an amazing actor, a hot-dog whose delight in transformation is infectious.April 12, 2002
What partly redeems American History X from its most preachy excesses -- and makes it worth seeing -- is a brilliant, career-high performance by actor Edward Norton.