American History X

An excellent film with a superb Edward Norton about the fact that scum can be found among both whites and blacks – but that’s something every sane person knows already. The film, however, doesn’t answer the question of how to solve this problem, provided, that is, that the viewer is not supposed to subscribe to the naive idea of the re-education of a Nazi in prison. But even if it was a stupid film (which is not, it’s just a little intellectually half-baked), Norton’s performance would still keep it afloat. (03/01/2009)

From skepticism to crushing punchlines and feelings. Each storyline has its meaning and power, and in combination with the amazing Norton, which will often give you chills, and the meticulous Kaye's camera, relatively purposeless material becomes a rightfully celebrated study of the darkest human aspects. (13/10/2006)

Films dealing with racial issues are usually worth it and very good to watch, and American History X is not exception. The story is masterfully directed, incredibly raw and realistic, and manages to evoke exactly that familiar feeling of "Oh my God, this is really happening!" Although a lot of the credit for this goes to Edward Norton, who plays it for dear life and handles the gradual transformation of an independent neo-Nazi in the best and most emotional way, the other actors are also excellent, and so is the direction, which takes us deep into the heart of the human mind and easily holds our attention for almost two hours. Very strong 4* for me. (17/08/2011)

Racism is a problem that we must deal with even here in our little country. Whether those who are racists are truly just idiots or in some cases it may be behavior based on experience and observation, we won't address that, but in general, I believe that labeling is wrong, even though we all do it, so we will have to accept it. However, the racism that is presented to us is wrong. It shows that there is not much distance between the idea and the act, and that should not be the case. While it is true that racism is generally bad, I personally believe that mindless humanism is equally evil. But let's move on to the movie "The Cult of the Swastika." More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2013/03/kult-hakoveho-krize-1998-85.html (10/04/2013)

As a film about the danger of neo-fascism and racial violence shown in schools as part of education, American History X would work almost flawlessly, but as a drama with artistic ambitions and also with such high ratings from fans, this film is not convincing for me. The problem is not in the actors, because Norton and Furlong belong to the very best that American cinema can count on in this age category, the problem is simply in the unconvincing screenplay that steers the story too much toward a family melodrama, where a school assignment or a fabricated prison story is enough to turn toward the right path, which really doesn't feel authentic. It is not even a film incidentally mapping a very interesting scene of American far-right heavily influenced by Christian fundamentalism, and it is not even a film about the skinhead movement. The film is based on the acting talent of Edward Norton, who underwent an incredible physical transformation and suddenly became an uncompromising guy with a well-built physique and a hateful grin on his face, who can execute members of a black gang in one of the two truly intense scenes. Overall impression: 65%. (03/01/2011)