American History X
Danny Vinyard, a high school student, receives an assignment from Mr. Murray, his history teacher, to write a paper on 'any book which relates to the struggle for human rights. Knowing Murray is Jewish, Danny writes his paper on Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf. Murray attempts to get Danny expelled for doing this, but Principal Dr. Bob Sweeney who is black refuses, instead informing Danny that he will study history and current events under Sweeney, and that the class will be called 'American History X'.
12 October 1976, Barberton, Ohio, USA
22 February 1948, Paterson, New Jersey, USA
11 April 1973, Westchester, New York, USA
22 September 1945, Rahway, New Jersey, USA
May1970, Gary, Indiana, USA
10 May 1980, Muskegon, Michigan, USA
10 August 1935, San Diego, California, USA
14 April 1955, USA
22 January 1980, Long Island, New York, USA
1973
July 23, 2007
Any idiot can make us wince at the ugliness of beatings and shootings.
February 14, 2001
Though well-intentioned, turns out to be a simplistic and unconvincing look at a serious problem.
August 19, 2011
Norton is an amazing actor, a hot-dog whose delight in transformation is infectious.
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.
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.
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.
May 25, 2009
If didactic and overwrought at times, it's also powerful and persuasive. [Blu-ray]
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.
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.
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.
June 24, 2006
Two things hold the interest: Norton's astounding performance, and a feeling for the male reality of reactionary working class environments.
