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Rating:
THE REVIEW
"When was the last time you cried?"
"A month ago, while rewatching American History X."
From the direction of Tony Kaye comes an engaging film, capable of evoking strong emotions, making us understand how hate begets hate.
A great Edward Norton embodies Derek, a skinhead who ends up in prison for killing a black boy. From here begins a whirlwind of scenes that masterfully portray: the past (that is, before Derek's release, shot in black and white) explaining that hate has distant roots, and a present where we become attached to the characters so close to us, so real in their pain that we almost feel it.
Here, the protagonist is not a character but the anger, the hate, the darkest feeling we carry within us that destroys everything in its vicinity. In this film, a family; in the world, entire populations.
The sweet and melancholic face of Edward Furlong who plays Daniel, Derek's brother, will remain in your mind long after the viewing ends and the sensation, the awareness that the message contained in the film has hit the mark, that it reached exactly where it was intended, you will feel in every heartbeat that "immune from defenses that are not needed" was enveloped by emotions.
A film I recommend to everyone.
"Hate is a ball and chain:
life is too short
to spend it always angry,
it's not worth it."
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Summary by Bot
This review praises Tony Kaye's American History X as an emotionally engaging film that powerfully explores hate and its destructive effects. Edward Norton's compelling performance as Derek and the touching portrayal of family resonate deeply, making it a must-watch. The film's use of black and white to delineate past events enhances the storytelling. Recommended for its impactful message and emotional depth.
Tony Kaye
Tony Kaye is a British film director known for the hard-hitting drama American History X (1998), the documentary Lake of Fire (2006), and the school-set drama Detachment (2011). He has also directed acclaimed commercials and music videos.05 Reviews
Other reviews
By Fausto91
Hate is baggage: life is too short to be pissed off all the time, it’s not worth it.
American History X flows, parallel to the reactions and reflections that strong images provoke, making us relive the causes of a young person’s fate through flashbacks.
By ilfreddo
That photograph is seared into my cinematic memories.
Hatred begets only hatred; the moral of a violent and harsh film that hits the stomach more than once.
By LKQ
American History X by Tony Kaye is a film that hurts, a tough, violent, raw film. Evil.
Hatred is a ball and chain: life is too short to be spent always angry.
