American History X

Name: American History X
Genre: Drama, Crime
Released: October 30, 1998
Duration: 119 min
Rating: 62
Cast: Edward Furlong, Edward Norton

1998

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 32 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 697 Ratings

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8.7

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8.7	User Score Universal acclaim based on 697 Ratings

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American History X

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Movie Details & Credits

Release Date: October 30, 1998 | R

Starring: Edward Furlong, Edward Norton

Summary: A groundbreaking controversial drama about the tragic consequences of racism in a family. (New Line Cinema)

Director: Tony Kaye

Genre(s): Drama, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 119 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Gene Siskel

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]

Mr. Showbiz Kevin Maynard

American History X is a crash course on how to make a message movie that resonates with crackling power.

Todd McCarthy

Jolting, superbly acted film. Read full review

Film.com John Hartl

Norton's performance, which is every bit as varied as his Oscar-nominated work in Primal Fear, once more demonstrates that he's one of the most remarkable chameleons working in film.

Liam Lacey

Excellent in flashes, unintentionally absurd and lead-footed at other moments, the movie stumbles under the weight of its own grandiose intentions. Read full review

David Ansen

This material is charged enough without piling on the melodrama and the lip-smacking violence. The movie too often sacrifices reportage for razzle-dazzle. Read full review

Stephen Hunter

A mousy little nothing of a picture. Read full review

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User Reviews

sockemeye

Nov 23, 2010

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.

24 of 27 users found this helpful243

C.K.

Jul 10, 2008

One of the greatest movies ever made. Norton's performance was inspiring.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Wymaster

Aug 16, 2013

One of the greatest movies of all time. This film is able to look true, real-life evil in the face and humanize it. There are people that actually live their lives like the neo-nazis in this film, and American History X absolutely does not sugarcoat it. It shows the true colors of some ofOne of the greatest movies of all time. This film is able to look true, real-life evil in the face and humanize it. There are people that actually live their lives like the neo-nazis in this film, and American History X absolutely does not sugarcoat it. It shows the true colors of some of those people in our world, yet it doesn't bash them. It shows their intentions, shows us why they do what they do, and while we don't agree at all with it, we understand. Edward Norton gives the performance of a lifetime in what is a film that everyone should watch before they die.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

Aboodash56

Jul 24, 2021

This movie was way ahead of its time when it was released, as it discusses topics such as the neo-nazi movement and racism in the United States, which is still prevalent today. Tony Kaye does a great job in telling this story and discussing these topics, although it may not have turned outThis movie was way ahead of its time when it was released, as it discusses topics such as the neo-nazi movement and racism in the United States, which is still prevalent today. Tony Kaye does a great job in telling this story and discussing these topics, although it may not have turned out the way he intended to. Edward Norton arguably delivers the best performance in his entire career and it's such a shame that he didn't win an Oscar for it, and Edward Furlong also does a great job in his role. I also love how the film tells its story in a non-linear sequence, as it utilizes the black and white cinematography to showcase the flashbacks and cuts between the past and the present. There are some gruesome violent and sex scenes that I found it a bit hard to watch, but it doesn't take away from the experience. A must see classic that still remains relevant today and will go on to become one of the greatest films ever made.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

annbd

Mar 28, 2018

Finally got to write a review for this great great movie. It's definitely emotional, touching, sad, but it was a great experience watching it. Amazing performances. The movie says, that a man can change, but actually there need to be a big factor for that to happen (like getting intoFinally got to write a review for this great great movie. It's definitely emotional, touching, sad, but it was a great experience watching it. Amazing performances. The movie says, that a man can change, but actually there need to be a big factor for that to happen (like getting into prison, kidding). And there are always two sides of the story (the end). Of course, there where some unnecessary things. I promised to my boyfriend to mention it.. That little penis there in the bad room was totally unnecessary, like I laugh a lot to this 5cm hairy thing. :D… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

asylumspadez

Nov 26, 2011

Its an amazing film. Solid acting by the cast and Edward Norton is amazing in it. The only downside of the film is that its rather graphic and can be off putting a bit.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

J-Shap

Aug 25, 2011

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 aWhat 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

6 of 29 users found this helpful623

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75	#75 Best Movie of 1998
4	#4 Most Discussed Movie of 1998
2	#2 Most Shared Movie of 1998