Directed by:
Tony KayeScreenplay:
David McKennaCinematography:
Tony KayeComposer:
Anne DudleyCast:
Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien, Ethan Suplee, Fairuza Balk, Avery Brooks, Elliott Gould, Stacy Keach, William Russ, Guy Torry (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
Just released from prison, a neo-Nazi whose racist beliefs shifted behind bars tries to keep his teenage brother from going down the same dangerous path. (Netflix)
Videos (1)
Reviews (12)
Damn well written, acted, and directed. Tendentious in relation to "how people should think about this film" and what conclusion they should then draw from it. The whole "bad boys gone good" storyline (or, in the case of Rihanna, Good Girl Gone Bad) is commercially brilliantly handled, sold, squeezes out the emotions, and willy-nilly pushes the viewer into the philosophy of believing that all hate and anger is tiresome and life-threatening. It's just... it's just that even though almost everything in this film works as it should, in this work there’s no amount of deeper thought that would also make you think more deeply. Paradoxically, the pissed off main character, with all his resentment and hatred, remains the driving force of the entire film, which is a bit funny with the final quote that urges us not to get pissed off and hate our fellow human beings. I'm certainly not saying that American History X is a bad film. Formally and commercially, it is truly a work of art. On the other hand, it boggles my mind how many people get sucked in and fooled by such an essentially linear and superficial story (okay, even I succumbed a bit for a while). 4 stars, but no more.
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Racism is a problem that we must deal with even here in our little country. Whether those who are racists are truly just idiots or in some cases it may be behavior based on experience and observation, we won't address that, but in general, I believe that labeling is wrong, even though we all do it, so we will have to accept it. However, the racism that is presented to us is wrong. It shows that there is not much distance between the idea and the act, and that should not be the case. While it is true that racism is generally bad, I personally believe that mindless humanism is equally evil. But let's move on to the movie "The Cult of the Swastika." More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2013/03/kult-hakoveho-krize-1998-85.html
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As a film about the danger of neo-fascism and racial violence shown in schools as part of education, American History X would work almost flawlessly, but as a drama with artistic ambitions and also with such high ratings from fans, this film is not convincing for me. The problem is not in the actors, because Norton and Furlong belong to the very best that American cinema can count on in this age category, the problem is simply in the unconvincing screenplay that steers the story too much toward a family melodrama, where a school assignment or a fabricated prison story is enough to turn toward the right path, which really doesn't feel authentic. It is not even a film incidentally mapping a very interesting scene of American far-right heavily influenced by Christian fundamentalism, and it is not even a film about the skinhead movement. The film is based on the acting talent of Edward Norton, who underwent an incredible physical transformation and suddenly became an uncompromising guy with a well-built physique and a hateful grin on his face, who can execute members of a black gang in one of the two truly intense scenes. Overall impression: 65%.
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A film I kept postponing, I just didn’t feel like watching it. Now I can say with a clear conscience that it was a huge mistake. The film tackles very serious social issues, strong neo-Nazism and the associated racism towards minorities, and isn’t afraid to show their true side. Everyone should see this film, as it also serves as a documentary depiction of their customs and acts as a kind of probe into their lives. It’s not easy to watch, it’s quite intense. Both Edwards are truly excellent, Norton, in my opinion, opened the doors to Hollywood with this amazing performance; after this film, offers must have been flying onto his desk one after another. On the other hand, it’s a shame that such a talented actor is no longer as utilized these days. At times, the black-and-white filter further intensifies the dense atmosphere. I don’t know the director well, but anyone who manages to make you genuinely hate the main character at the beginning and then, by the end, when he tries to reset his life and start with a clean slate and simply live normally, makes you sympathize with him, has accomplished something. The ending is crushing, as expected. You simply can’t escape the past, no matter how hard you try. I might add a few more percent over time; for now, it’s a strong four stars, and I give it 86%.
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From skepticism to crushing punchlines and feelings. Each storyline has its meaning and power, and in combination with the amazing Ed Norton, which will often give you chills, and Tony Kaye's meticulous camera, the relatively pointless material becomes a rightfully celebrated study of the darkest aspects of human nature.
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