Rating: R
Genre:
Drama
Theatrical Release: 10/30/1998(USA)
Release Date: 04/06/1999
SubTitles: English
Dubbed: English
Sound: 5.1/2
Run Time: 119 Minutes
Flags: Violence, Nudity, Rape & Sexual Abuse, Profanity, Sexual Situations, Watch With Your Teen
Distributor/Studio: New Line Home Video
Tony Kaye made his feature directorial debut with this dramatic exploration into the roots of race hatred in America. In a shocking opening scene, teen Danny Vinyard (
Edward Furlong) races to tell his older brother, neo-Nazi Derek (
Edward Norton), 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 (
Guy Torry), 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 (
Avery Brooks) 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. Monochrome sequences of Derek leading a Venice, California gang are intercut with color footage of the mature Derek ending his past neo-Nazi associations and attempting to detour Danny away from the group led by white supremacist, Cameron (
Stacy Keach), who once influenced Derek. Director
Tony Kaye, with a background in TV commercials and music videos, filmed in L.A. beach communities. Rated R "for graphic brutal violence including rape, pervasive language, strong sexuality and nudity."
~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
Average Review:
Number of reviews: 1
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A reviewer
from Houston, TX
Deep and moving portrait of two brothers consumed by hate.
This is a must-see film and true work of art as director Tony Kaye paints a portrait of what becomes of those who live their lives with predjudices and hatred of others. An eye-opener and warning to everyone who doesn't fully grasp the effects of injustice. Incredible acting by both Edward Norton and Edward Furlong, who create such a believable performance and persona. I would strongly reccomend this movie to all mature audiences.
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