American History X hits the subject of race with such force that it is undoubtedly a powerful and moving movie. The story follows neo nazi Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) who is sentenced to prison for the murder of a black man. During imprisonment he realises the errors of his past ideology and tries to save his brother (played by Edward Furlong) before he treads the same dark path.
The chronology of the film is an excellently structured puzzle with black and white flash backs, perfectly placed, so we never really see the full story until the very end! The two Edwards both provide gripping performances (especially from Norton who is completely convincing and almost argued me into his way of thinking!) and their chemistry together is just as good. Obviously their performances are aided by such a emotionally charged subject already laid out for them.
Whilst it attacks the race issue at such an extreme angle by the end it certainly pays off. Its messages really left me thinking afterwards (I judge a films lasting impact by the amount of time I spend staring at the credits!). Why, in the 21st century can we still not live in peace? What is the point in hating? Yes, the film (I hope) overly dramatises and glorifies the situation but that doesn't mean the messages aren't important. A very potent film, stylish and dark. [A-]
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