American History X

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American History X

R

1998

1h 58m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

88 Reviews

96%

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250,000+ Ratings

Living a life marked by violence and racism, neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard 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, 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

08/19/2011

Norton is an amazing actor, a hot-dog whose delight in transformation is infectious.

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

06/24/2006

Two things hold the interest: Norton's astounding performance, and a feeling for the male reality of reactionary working class environments.

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Manohla Dargis

L.A. Weekly

10/07/2002

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.

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

10/05/2023

3/4

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.

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Joseph Robinson

Fish Jelly Films (YouTube)

08/19/2023

3.5/5

Equal parts disturbing and honest, American History X is a sobering look at the power of role models.

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Akos Peterbencze

Frame Rated (Medium)

07/26/2023

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.

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Oscar T

@ScarfaceRampage Jun 27

Great performance and story

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Rohit R

@RT41221724 Jun 11

Another Edward norton movie ending that blew me completely. Powerful movie.

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Meri S.

@mschroeder May 31

Ugh. Not much has changed in terms of race relations in the US since this movie was made in ‘98. What a sad commentary. Replace George Floyd with Rodney king, and it’s the same freaking dialogue. Anyway amazing acting and script. I hope one day we can do better.

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Ephraim C

@EphraimCobb27 Mar 25

I just had to. An all-time great.

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Oliver C

@slimjim123 Mar 7

Moving and powerful, start to finish.

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Johannes S

@RT64416087 Feb 23

A powerful and moving movie! Hatred is the enemy all along!

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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 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, 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)