American History X (1998)

Provocative filmmaking at its volatile best, American History X is a brutally honest, hard-hitting, thoroughly unsettling, fiercely violent & absolutely devastating but crucial look at the dangerously destructive nature of racism and tells the story of a former neo-nazi skinhead who tries to prevent his younger brother from going down the same wrong path he did years ago.

Tony Kaye’s direction & David McKenna’s screenplay is mercilessly brutal & uncompromising with its content. Cinematography is sharp and deftly switches from present timeline to flashbacks. Editing expertly balances the two timelines and fiercely paces the plot. And Anne Dudley’s music helps keep the intensity alive. However, the most impressive contribution comes from the strong, blistering & career-best performances from both Edward Norton & Edward Furlong.

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