

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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