American History X

Released Oct 30, 1998

1h 58m

Drama

List

84%

Tomatometer

89 Reviews

96%

Audience Score

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.

Read Critics Reviews

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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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

Howard H

Takes a while to feel better about themes in movie. Character arc of a lifetime.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/15/24

Full Review

New Spice over Old Spice

This Film does a magnificent job of showing the wrongdoings of society. It also does a magnificent job of reconstructing the image of a neo-nazi who served time into someone who ends up wanting to treat everybody equally even if it means abandoning your closest friends. For Derek, it's about to protecting his family, even if he has to fight against the world to do so. Ed Norton delivers a practical performance as Derek Vinyard, alongside Ed Furlong as his younger brother, Danny. This movie is basically the token for Rated-R Movies with its violent scenes and profanity but it's necessary enough to be labeled near the top. 3.4 / 4.0 | 85% Positive Score

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/27/24

Full Review

Benjamin H

Although it could have delved slightly deeper into some of the character changes and plot parallels, American History X is a grim, uncompromising and thought-provoking crime drama whose important message is as strong and moving as the amazing performances from Edward Norton and Edward Furlong.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/01/24

Full Review

Gigsy V

Ed Norton's Derek Vinyard is one of the all-time best performances in film; he is intelligent, quick, scary and intimidating all at the same time (i.e. he doesn't play a one-dimensional character). I also love the arc of the character and how he genuinely goes through something transformative; it is a massively thought-provoking film and it ends shockingly and sticks with you well after it has ended.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/25/24

Full Review

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Tony Kaye

Director

Ed 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

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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American History X

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