American History X
Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.
Critics Sentiment
Danny shot by Black student in school bathroom
Aryan Brotherhood beats and gang rapes Derek
The film builds from Derek's horrifying curb stomp scene to his gradual prison transformation, then crashes into the devastating finale where Danny's death destroys any hope of redemption.
American History X maintains consistently high sentiment throughout, with reviewers praising Edward Norton's transformative performance and the film's unflinching examination of racism. The emotional impact builds steadily through Derek's prison awakening and reconciliation with Danny, culminating in a shocking ending that left audiences stunned. Despite difficult subject matter, critics found the film's honest portrayal of hate's consequences to be powerfully moving and essential viewing.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 50
Edward Norton
Derek
Edward Furlong
Danny
Beverly D'Angelo
Doris
Jennifer Lien
Davina
Ethan Suplee
Seth
Fairuza Balk
Stacey
Avery Brooks
Sweeney
Elliott Gould
Murray
Stacy Keach
Cameron
William Russ
Dennis
Guy Torry
Lamont
Joe Cortese
Rasmussen
Jason Bose Smith
Little Henry
Antonio David Lyons
Lawrence
Alex Sol
Mitch McCormick
Keram Malicki-Sánchez
Chris
Giuseppe Andrews
Jason
Michelle Christine White
Lizzy
Jonathan Fowler Jr.
Jerome
Christopher Masterson
Daryl Dawson
Crew
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