American History X

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American History X

R

Released Oct 30, 1998

1h 58m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

84%

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89 Reviews

96%

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250,000+ Ratings

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.

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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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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

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Garrett B

It’s a dark, rough yet emotional experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

Full Review

Fabrícia F

O realismo deste drama surpreende até o cinéfilo mais preparado pela realidade. Esse é um daqueles filmes que nos obrigam a refletir por horas no sofá depois de sua exibição. A crueza das cenas se soma a eficiência do roteiro e a fotografia. Edward Norton nos entrega uma performance insana e cruel, o que sem dúvida é o ponto alto desta história.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/13/24

Full Review

Sams K

Great, a perfect drama!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/27/24

Full Review

sam j

Extremely captivating and overall great movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/22/24

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Audience Member

Quite simply magnificent

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/10/24

Full Review

Rafa

This movie still relates till this day. The story is gripping and finishes off how it started.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/11/24

Full Review

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Tony Kaye

Director

Edward Norton

Derek Vinyard

Edward Furlong

Daniel "Danny" Vinyard

Fairuza Balk

Stacey

Beverly D'Angelo

Doris Vinyard

Avery Brooks

Bob Sweeney

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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
Producer: John Morrissey
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
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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