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 712 Ratings

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8.6

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8.6	User Score Universal acclaim based on 712 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.

25 of 28 users found this helpful253

C.K.

Jul 10, 2008

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

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Falcon9gxgc

Apr 24, 2011

One of the most powerful films anyone should and must watch. Edward Norton excels all boundaries of acting In American History X. For a moment it just feels too real and you forget he's acting. He lands a remarkable, touching, and true character, struggling to fight for the errorsOne of the most powerful films anyone should and must watch. Edward Norton excels all boundaries of acting In American History X. For a moment it just feels too real and you forget he's acting. He lands a remarkable, touching, and true character, struggling to fight for the errors committed in the past.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

EpicLadySponge

Apr 4, 2016

American History X is just as everyone's been wanting since its release to theaters. Now in its way to home media, it's something unmissable for you and only you.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

Meth-dude

Apr 22, 2018

With an impressively good performance by Edward Norton, a good and interesting script, interesting characters and an unpredictable and sad ending, American History X is a masterpiece of modern cinema.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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 30 users found this helpful624

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80	#80 Best Movie of 1998
4	#4 Most Discussed Movie of 1998
2	#2 Most Shared Movie of 1998