American History X (1998)

American History X follows Derek Vinyard, a former neo‑Nazi skinhead who, after serving time in prison for a brutal racially motivated crime, returns home determined to leave his past behind and stop his impressionable younger brother, Danny, from following the same path. Told largely through Danny’s narration, the film traces Derek’s rise as a charismatic leader of a white‑supremacist gang, the violent act that lands him in prison, and the experiences behind bars that force him to confront the consequences of hate and begin to change. The movie is an unflinching, character‑driven drama about racism, guilt, and redemption. It combines intense, often brutal scenes with quieter, morally complicated moments as Derek struggles to sever ties with his former comrades and persuade Danny to choose a different future. Themes include the social and familial roots of extremism, how violence perpetuates itself, and whether real change is possible. What you’ll experience watching this film: - A raw, emotionally charged story that doesn’t shy away from disturbing images or language. - Strong, concentrated performances and a portrait of two brothers at the center of a moral crisis. - Tension that builds from anger and ideology toward an uneasy, thought‑provoking attempt at redemption. - A film that is challenging and provocative—designed to make you confront uncomfortable truths and reflect on the long‑term effects of hatred. Viewer advisory: the movie contains graphic violence, harsh language, and confronting racial themes; it’s powerful but not an easy watch.

Actors: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo

Director: Tony Kaye

Runtime: 119 min

Genre: Drama

8.3 /10 62 /100 8.5 /10 7.7 /10