American History X

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. (2012-03-05)

Films dealing with racial issues are usually worth it and very good to watch, and American History X is not exception. The story is masterfully directed, incredibly raw and realistic, and manages to evoke exactly that familiar feeling of "Oh my God, this is really happening!" Although a lot of the credit for this goes to Edward Norton, who plays it for dear life and handles the gradual transformation of an independent neo-Nazi in the best and most emotional way, the other actors are also excellent, and so is the direction, which takes us deep into the heart of the human mind and easily holds our attention for almost two hours. Very strong 4* for me. (2011-08-17)

Strange, but I suspected it was coming to exactly that ending – the ending of the movie, that is. For me, the story doesn't end. I'll still be caught up in imagining what came next. How this last event played out in the lives of these "fictional" people. And I regret it; the foolishness, the ignorance, the rudeness, the hatred, the understanding, the leader, the indelible mark. What a strange picture. It's just that my heart isn't beating enough for it to get 5 stars. (2008-11-12)

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%. (2018-08-17)

Let's leave aside the classic methods to provoke the most basic emotions. American History X has an excellent cast (especially Edward Norton, Beverly D'Angelo and Fairuza Balk), and a logically constructed story that makes the viewer think. In addition to the purposefully used B&W sequences, there's also a cleverly interspersed massacre with the rough comedy of a guy from the laundromat who doesn't root for the KKK. (2013-09-01)