rottentomatoes.com

American History X | Rotten Tomatoes

️Fri Oct 30 1998

Where to Watch What to Know Reviews Cast & Crew More Like This Related News Photos Media Info

Critics Consensus

American History X doesn't contend with its subject matter as fully as it could, but Edward Norton's performance gives this hard-hitting drama crucial weight.

Read Critics Reviews

David Edelstein Slate Norton is an amazing actor, a hot-dog whose delight in transformation is infectious. Aug 19, 2011 Full Review Geoff Andrew Time Out Two things hold the interest: Norton's astounding performance, and a feeling for the male reality of reactionary working class environments. Jun 24, 2006 Full Review Manohla Dargis L.A. Weekly The problem is that Kaye, who's used to selling cars on TV, shoots Derek the Hater as lovingly as he would a new Volkswagen. Oct 7, 2002 Full Review Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight Making social statements is important, but so is quality writing. The film lacks too much in one area to be brilliant, but is successful enough in other areas that it is easily a good movie. Rated: 3/4 Oct 5, 2023 Full Review Joseph Robinson Fish Jelly Films (YouTube) Equal parts disturbing and honest, American History X is a sobering look at the power of role models. Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 19, 2023 Full Review Akos Peterbencze Frame Rated (Medium) The first half of the film works best because it uses rigorous violence and hate-speech to build and showcase the neo-Nazi group’s philosophy. The protagonist’s transformation in the second half is not as profound. Jul 26, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Cameron L Controversial? Undeniably, so. But the acting is engaging, raw, and truthful. The biggest issue I had there was a prison shower scene that was too much. The acting from Edward Norton was on fire in my opinion, and so was Edward Furlong Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/06/25 Full Review beatriz m Incrivelmente subestimado, um dos melhores filmes com essa temática que eu já vi. Mostra perfeitamente o resultado da doutrinação, do ódio enraizado... e achei o filme mais triste do que pertubador como costumam citá-lo. A cena final consegue trazer um aperto no coração mesmo você já sabendo o que vai acontecer, com certeza um filme que vou demorar muito para esquecer. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/02/25 Full Review Kirk R Oustanding but brutal realism Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/25 Full Review Priyan B Criminally underrated! Rating: 9.3/10 Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/22/25 Full Review cam m A classic with amazing acting and deep story-line. A must watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/18/25 Full Review Audience Member Hit a lot of truth, but unfortunately twisted back to being politically correct. Gutless movie, with no balls in the end. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/29/25 Full Review Read all reviews

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

One Night Stand 33% 39% One Night Stand Watchlist Menace II Society 84% 93% Menace II Society Watchlist TRAILER for Menace II Society Body Shots 11% 28% Body Shots Watchlist Pump Up the Volume 82% 85% Pump Up the Volume Watchlist The Rapture 66% 62% The Rapture Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Edward Norton in American History X Avery Brooks and Edward Norton in American History X Edward Furlong and Edward Norton in American History X Jennifer Lien, Beverly D'Angelo, Edward Norton and Edward Furlong in American History X Edward Furlong in American History X Edward Furlong and Edward Norton in American History X Edward Furlong and Edward Norton in American History X View more photos

Synopsis Living a life marked by violence and racism, neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) finally goes to prison after killing two black youths who tried to steal his car. Upon his release, Derek vows to change his ways; he hopes to prevent his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps. As he struggles with his own deeply ingrained prejudices and watches their mother grow sicker, Derek wonders if his family can overcome a lifetime of hate.

Director

Tony Kaye

Producer

John Morrissey

Screenwriter

David McKenna

Distributor

New Line Cinema

Production Co

New Line Cinema, Turman-Morrissey Company

Rating

R (Nudity|Graphic Brutal Violence|Rape|Strong Sexuality)

Genre

Drama

Original Language

English

Release Date (Theaters)

Oct 30, 1998, Wide

Release Date (Streaming)

Jul 1, 2008

Box Office (Gross USA)

$6.7M

Runtime

1h 58m

Sound Mix

Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR

Aspect Ratio

Flat (1.85:1)