American History X (1998).

I must admit, I was drawn to the film because it had Edward Norton in it.

Probably a very dark role for the diverse Norton, this film is chock full with issues – Nazism, brotherhood, gangs, racism…its all there. Norton plays Derek, a neo-Nazi who is released from prison and tries to prevent his younger brother Danny from going down the same path as him.

From the beginning, this surely comes across as more than just a film where a group of skinheads run around and cause havoc. It has so many layers to a story which is more than that.
Edward Norton is a tour-de-force of power in this film. He is so immersed in his role that you believe him so powerfully. He is brutal, but you can’t help but agree with what he says as he rages against things and against people. The other cast members support their roles well, and the brotherly chemistry that existed between Furlong and Norton felt real. Derek’s concern for his brother felt so real

The non-linear narrative of the film blends black and white flashbacks with present scenes. This puts across the narrative in a way which makes it perfect. It gives you a chance to trace Derek’s feelings back to the start, and the audience can see that Derek’s feelings are more deep-rooted than they first appear.

After the film finished, I sat silently for about two minutes. The characterization of Derek was so strong that you could feel his pain during the end scene. This film blew me away and that was completely unexpected.

MY RATING: **** / *****