American History X

8.3

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Original title: American History X
Year: 1998
Running time: 119 min.
Country: United States
Director: Tony Kaye
Screenwriter: David McKenna
Music: Anne Dudley
Cinematography: Tony Kaye
Cast: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Fairuza Balk, Stacy Keach, Elliott Gould, Avery Brooks, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien, Guy Torry, Ethan Suplee, Keram Malicki-Sánchez
Producer: New Line Cinema
Genre: Drama | Racism. Prison Drama. Cult Movie. Nazism. Social Drama. Street Gang
Synopsis / Plot: Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) is a Southern Californian skinhead who must do time after committing a hateful murder. Once in jail, his mind opens and he sees the error of his ways. Upon reentering the real world, he must now turn his attentions to his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong), who is swiftly heading down the same path as his brother.

Awards: 1998: Nominated for Oscar: Best Actor (Edward Norton)

1998: Chicago Film Critics Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Edward Norton)

Critics' reviews

"I must be clear. This is a good and powerful film. If I am dissatisfied, it is because it contains the promise of being more than it is (... )Rating: ★★★ (out of 4)"

Roger Ebert: rogerebert.com
"Though well-intentioned, turns out to be a simplistic and unconvincing look at a serious problem"

Kenneth Turan: Los Angeles Times
"[It] has enough fiery acting and provocative bombast to make its impact felt (...) [It] knows which raw nerves to hit."

Janet Maslin: The New York Times
"A shockingly powerful screed against racism that also manages to be so well performed and directed that it is entertaining as well"

Gene Siskel: Chicago Reader
"Too black and white (...) Predictable soap-boxing"

Paul Tatara: CNN
"Arrestingly photographed, and boasting another intelligent and muscular performance by the chameleon-like Edward Norton"

Michael O'Sullivan: The Washington Post
"There may be much to like about his movie, but it's all been done before to more challenging degrees of moral ambiguity. That's a pretty fatal flaw."

Joshua Klein: AV Club
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