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 661 Ratings

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8.8

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8.8	User Score Universal acclaim based on 661 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.

17 of 20 users found this helpful173

JPK

Jul 8, 2019

Insanely Great
American History X is powerfully directed, Shows the horrors of Neo-Nazis, Amazing performances from Norton and Furlong, and a terrific script.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Schmit93

Jan 11, 2011

I've lost track of how many times I've seen this, but it still makes me tear up in the end, Norton really proves himself to be a powerhouse actor, his passion and raw emotion could scare anyone. One of better movies of 98

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

EduB

Jun 10, 2017

American History x of beginning already cemeça with one of the best scenes already seen in black and white (spectacular), for me the whole movie would be like that, it was spectacular in this way, the soundtrack, although not remarkable, does an exceptional job, Delivery what is beingAmerican History x of beginning already cemeça with one of the best scenes already seen in black and white (spectacular), for me the whole movie would be like that, it was spectacular in this way, the soundtrack, although not remarkable, does an exceptional job, Delivery what is being proposed in the environment, fear and tension are examples; The script is able to deliver a great story, as the name already says: American History, in the simplest form is a film of American society, but in the way that some do not accept diversity, equality. Edward Norton is in one of the best jobs of his career (if not the best); The film at the beginning proposes an idea, but from a certain point it shows that it is there for something else, a beautiful work of a script well written, I have to praise the script and much; What a story, I swear that in the end it surprised me; Because although I already expected that I did not expect it that way, although there are colorful scenes that stand out even in black and white, I have already praised it once and I will continue to praise the way the black and white scenes became sensational, if The whole movie was in this way would only improve this great work that deserves to be recognized. At the end of it all that guy who people did not believe that would change changed and everything because he saw the other side of the coin, saw that all are equal and despite everything some day we can depend on that person we do not like, we hate and among them we One can see the trust and other things that we do not see in those we treat equally just because they are of the same color; American History x is a work of art and undoubtedly one of the best movies I have ever seen!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Potarto72

Dec 21, 2014

American History X is purely brilliant. It dispels and breaks down racism and prejudice without bashing it. Finally, a film that can convey a willingness to open oneself to new ideas, without writing off certain beliefs as taboo or evil. I can't say it doesn't take any side, but it certainlyAmerican History X is purely brilliant. It dispels and breaks down racism and prejudice without bashing it. Finally, a film that can convey a willingness to open oneself to new ideas, without writing off certain beliefs as taboo or evil. I can't say it doesn't take any side, but it certainly doesn't force any side on the viewer, and instead forces us to assert the situation as a whole. It's just an excellently directed and acted film in every way, and I think everyone should get the chance to witness what it has to offer.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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 1 users found this helpful10

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 22 users found this helpful616

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71	#71 Best Movie of 1998
5	#5 Most Discussed Movie of 1998
2	#2 Most Shared Movie of 1998