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American History X
  • Release Date: Oct 30, 1998
American History X Image
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Metascore
62 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.9 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 191 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Edward Furlong, Edward Norton
  • Summary: A groundbreaking controversial drama about the tragic consequences of racism in a family. (New Line Cinema)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 32
  3. Negative: 3 out of 32
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Gene Siskel
    100
    A shockingly powerful screed against racism that also manages to be so well performed and directed that it is entertaining as well. [30 October 1998, Friday, p.A]
    All this critic's reviews
  2. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Manohla Dargis
    60
    Director Tony Kaye may be reaching for opera, but screenwriter David McKenna has set his sights distinctly lower.
  3. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    25
    Norton's high-energy acting is the only element that saves the picture from being a total loss.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 80
  3. Negative: 3 out of 80
  1. sockemeye
    10
    One of the greatest movies I've ever seen, with an amazing, captivating performance by Edward Norton. This film sheds light on issues that many people in society are afraid to discuss or take seriously. A beautifully composed film, a must see.… Expand
    • 2 of 3 users said yes
  2. JamesM
    4
    A mess of a film that attempts some kind of message but fails dismally. Just like "The Green Mile" and "Once Were Warriors" before it, the film tries so hard to get a reaction from the audience that it ends up feeling forced and exhausting.… Expand
    • 1 of 4 users said yes
  3. J-Shap
    3
    What we have here is a message picture determined to undo itself, with simple ideas (see: I think racism is a tad more complicated than Norton and his black friend) needlessly histrionic dialogue (see: interactions with family), and manipulating moments of over-drama with the force of a chainsaw rising out of a volcano (see: every scene in which racial atrocities are committed, which are all in black and white, slow-motion and have a choir singing the music of hell in the foreground).… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 80 User Reviews

Trailers

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