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American History X | Rotten Tomatoes

️Fri Oct 30 1998

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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.

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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

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 Ethan P Absolute must see Edward Nortons acting in this film was phenomenal And the story was beautiful couldn’t be any better Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/26/25 Full Review Topher S intense for sure, but not really my kinda movie Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/25/25 Full Review Pip S Always modern and not. History repeats, and for this reason this iconic film should be shown in every school in every country. A film about fascism in America and about the transformation of man. Edward Norton.. amazing actor. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/23/25 Full Review Dave G Absolute master-class performance by Edward Norton in what is a fantastic movie. Nominated for Best Actor Oscar in 1999 but somehow Roberto Benigni stole it from him in the greatest awards heist ever. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/20/25 Full Review Audience Member Mediocre plot carried by Norton’s phenomenal acting performance. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/14/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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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)