| American History X | 
 enlarge | Studio: Alliance (Universal)
Category: Video
List Price: CDN$ 11.95
Buy Used: CDN$ 2.25
You Save: CDN$ 9.70 (81%)
Used (6) from CDN$ 2.25
Avg. Customer Rating:  339 reviews
Sales Rank: 993
Format: Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Media: VHS Tape
UPC: 065935128045
EAN: 0065935128045
ASIN: B000065JUH
Theatrical Release Date: October 30, 1998
Release Date: October 14, 2003
Availability: Usually ships within 1 - 2 business days
Condition: Save a tree, buy from Green Earth Books. Ships from USA; Allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. All books guaranteed. Read -> Recycle -> Reuse
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| Customer Reviews:
 One of the best movies I've ever seen March 30, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
After being introduced to Edward Norton in Primal Fear, I was once again blown away by his performance in American History X. Norton is supported by cast featuring such actors as Stacey Keach (Mike Hammer and Prison Break), Edward Furlong (John Conner, Terminator), Beverly D'Angelo (Ellen Griswald, European Vacation, et al) Elliot Gould (M*A*S*H*, The Shining) and Avery Brooks (Star Trek Deep Space Nine).
I would have to say that if you can make it through the first fifteen minutes of the film's graphic violence and hatred that the rest of the movie is a must see.
We are introduced to Derek, through his little brother's retelling of the violent episode that sent Derek to prison and the events thereafter. Danny Vineyard (Edward Furlong) idolizes his older brother and yearns to be just like him. He enjoys the knowledge that everyone identifies him as the brother of the most respected member of their white supremacy group, headed by Cameron. Stacey Keach is perfect in this role. You can almost see the slime oozing off him.
Conflict arises when a black high school teacher, whom Derek had admired before his initiation into racism, recognizes the potential that Danny possesses, but sees him following in his older brother's footsteps. He seeks Derek out in prison and asks his help in setting Danny on the right path.
The prison scenes alternate between horrifying and down right hilarious as Derek comes to the realization that he may have been wrong in his biases of people. Derek sets out to save his brother from perpetuating the life that he has led.
This movie runs the full gamete of emotions. In the space of an hour and a half, I laughed and I cried. I was disgusted, mortified, amused, and enlightened. The truly disturbing thing was that Norton is so convincing and likeable in the role that you can almost buy into his disgusting racist rhetoric. I think that is why this is one of my favorite movies. It makes everyone human, politically, ethically or morally right or wrong. Regardless of our views we are all just people, and we love our families unconditionally, no matter how dysfunctional.
I would recommend this film to anyone who has a strong sense of empathy, community, or social justice. Keep in mind though; you have to have a strong stomach too.
 Do we really need... December 6, 2004
8 out of 23 found this review helpful
another movie to villianize white people? This movie, like so many other pieces of liberal propaganda, only serve to reinforce the notion that only whites can be racist, that whites are wholly responsible for the societal problems of the other races, and that whites everywhere are conspiring to subjugate minorities. As for me I am getting a little sick and tired of it. I wonder if we will ever see a balanced and honest view of racism and ethnocentrism out of Hollywood. Somehow I doubt it.
Incredible Film July 16, 2004
3 out of 6 found this review helpful
This movie will, quite simply put, blow you away. An incredible look into the mind of Derek Vinyard(a skin head) and his little brother Danny Vinyard(a up coming skin head). You will find yourself repulsed at times as you catch yourself actually findng their convoluted arguements for white supremecy to make sense. Edward Norton took this part and made it his own and drags you into the movie in such a way that by the end you really feel like you've known the characters for years. This is not for those with weak stomachs, nor those who, for example, have trouble sitting through the first few scenes of a movie like Clockwork Orange, it has near the same gut wrenching effect. But like a Kubrick film, once you get past the initial nausea you truly learn something about a societal battle. This is an amazing work on the foundations of racism in America and how a family overcomes it.
amasing...nothing like it July 7, 2004
this movie is the most amasing movie ive seen. there is no other movie like it. This movie shows how anyone can change and that u shouldnt judge people by there race. i could watch this movie over and over again. this movie is remarkable. its sad its mean its basicly everything a movie can be. i think this is edward nortons greatest movie and the same with edwark furlong. i think that everyone should watch this movie no matter what ages. even if it is graphic anyone can learn from this movie.
Edward Norton At His Best July 2, 2004
I absolutley loved this movie and was very moved by it. I do admit however that I think it is only because of Norton. This movie is brutal at times and laden with profanity....not for the faint of heart. It also serves as a great example of the power of brainwashing and redemption.
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