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      American History X

      R Released Oct 30, 1998 1 hr. 58 min. Drama List
      84% 89 Reviews Tomatometer 96% 250,000+ Ratings Audience Score Living a life marked by violence and racism, neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) finally goes to prison after killing two black youths who tried to steal his car. Upon his release, Derek vows to change his ways; he hopes to prevent his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps. 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. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Oct 10 Buy Now

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      American History X

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      Critics Consensus

      American History X doesn't contend with its subject matter as fully as it could, but Edward Norton's performance gives this hard-hitting drama crucial weight.

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      Audience Reviews

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      Howard H Takes a while to feel better about themes in movie. Character arc of a lifetime. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/15/24 Full Review New Spice over Old Spice This Film does a magnificent job of showing the wrongdoings of society. It also does a magnificent job of reconstructing the image of a neo-nazi who served time into someone who ends up wanting to treat everybody equally even if it means abandoning your closest friends. For Derek, it's about to protecting his family, even if he has to fight against the world to do so. Ed Norton delivers a practical performance as Derek Vinyard, alongside Ed Furlong as his younger brother, Danny. This movie is basically the token for Rated-R Movies with its violent scenes and profanity but it's necessary enough to be labeled near the top. 3.4 / 4.0 | 85% Positive Score Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/27/24 Full Review Benjamin H Although it could have delved slightly deeper into some of the character changes and plot parallels, American History X is a grim, uncompromising and thought-provoking crime drama whose important message is as strong and moving as the amazing performances from Edward Norton and Edward Furlong. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/01/24 Full Review Gigsy V Ed Norton's Derek Vinyard is one of the all-time best performances in film; he is intelligent, quick, scary and intimidating all at the same time (i.e. he doesn't play a one-dimensional character). I also love the arc of the character and how he genuinely goes through something transformative; it is a massively thought-provoking film and it ends shockingly and sticks with you well after it has ended. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/25/24 Full Review Math C Ce n'est pas le genre de films dont j'ai l'habitude de parler ici, mais bon, il y a un début à tout. Les scènes sont graphiques et même si l'ont ne voit pas tout, on comprend et absorbe le message. C'est un film qui parle de la réalité, cette histoire elle existe et elle va continuer d'exister. Le racisme est une chose qui a traversé les époques et contrairement à ce que tout le monde pense, ça ne s'améliore pas, ça empire. Plusieurs disent que tout va bien, mais le problème grossit dans l'ombre. Ce film est une preuve que l'on peut passer outre cette idéologie d'haine raciale et d'avancer vers quelque chose qui nous uni tous. La peur mène à la colère, la colère mène à la haine, la haine mène à la souffrance. Cette phrase a été dite par un bonhomme vert. Si un homme ne peut pas accepter une nuance, comment peut-il accepter une différence. Amour et paix. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/06/24 Full Review Mark P Great film tackling a difficult subject. I love that Edward Norton took on this role as it could have been commercially dangerous for him. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/10/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      American History X

      Edward Furlong in American History X Stacy Keach and Edward Norton in American History X Edward Norton in American History X Avery Brooks and Edward Norton in American History X Edward Furlong and Edward Norton in American History X Jennifer Lien, Beverly D'Angelo, Edward Norton and Edward Furlong in American History X Edward Norton in American History X View more photos

      Critics Reviews

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      David Edelstein Slate Norton is an amazing actor, a hot-dog whose delight in transformation is infectious. Aug 19, 2011 Full Review Geoff Andrew Time Out Two things hold the interest: Norton's astounding performance, and a feeling for the male reality of reactionary working class environments. Jun 24, 2006 Full Review Manohla Dargis L.A. Weekly 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. Oct 7, 2002 Full Review Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight Making social statements is important, but so is quality writing. The film lacks too much in one area to be brilliant, but is successful enough in other areas that it is easily a good movie. Rated: 3/4 Oct 5, 2023 Full Review Joseph Robinson Fish Jelly Films (YouTube) Equal parts disturbing and honest, American History X is a sobering look at the power of role models. Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 19, 2023 Full Review Akos Peterbencze Frame Rated (Medium) The first half of the film works best because it uses rigorous violence and hate-speech to build and showcase the neo-Nazi group’s philosophy. The protagonist’s transformation in the second half is not as profound. Jul 26, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Living a life marked by violence and racism, neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) finally goes to prison after killing two black youths who tried to steal his car. Upon his release, Derek vows to change his ways; he hopes to prevent his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps. 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.
      Director
      Tony Kaye
      Executive Producer
      Bill Carraro, Michael De Luca, Kearie Peak, Steve Tisch, Lawrence Turman, Brian Witten
      Screenwriter
      David McKenna
      Distributor
      New Line Cinema
      Production Co
      New Line Cinema, Turman-Morrissey Company
      Rating
      R (Nudity|Graphic Brutal Violence|Rape|Strong Sexuality)
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Oct 30, 1998, Wide
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Jul 1, 2008
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $6.7M
      Sound Mix
      Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
      Aspect Ratio
      Flat (1.85:1)
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