Teen Danny Vinyard races to tell his older brother, neo-Nazi Derek, about the young blacks breaking into his car in front of the house, whereupon Derek gets his gun and with no forethought shoots the youths in their tracks. Tried and convicted, Derek is sent away for three years in prison, where he acquires a different outlook as he contrasts white-power prisoners with black Lamont, his prison laundry co-worker and eventual pal. Meanwhile, Danny, with a shaved head and a rebellious attitude, seems destined to follow in his big brother's footsteps. After Danny writes a favorable review of Hitler's Mein Kampf, black high-school principal Sweeney puts Danny in his private "American History X" course and assigns him to do a paper about his older brother, who was a former student of Sweeney's. This serves to introduce flashbacks, with the film backtracking to illustrate Danny's account of Derek's life prior to the night of the shooting.
This is a very intense, disturbing and powerful film. Some parts are hard to watch, not because it is bad, but because it is so real and doesn't try to sugar coat a topic that many people don't want to address. From beginning to end, this is an unflinching look at racism and its potential causes, ramifications and effects on impressionable youth. Edward Norton is amazing in this role and leads a cast of talented actors in creating the realistic feel for the movie. It should be required viewing for all neo-Nazis in the penal system and "hardcore" teenagers as it could easily be a deterrent and warning for what their future might hold. Overall, it's a powerful film with a powerful message that's a must see.
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: Yes
Starring: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Fairuza Balk, Beverly D'Angelo
I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.
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