A topic that is difficult at any time
"American History X" is quite a heavy film for me. This is not a movie that you will be happy to watch again. But it's very good. I was impressed for a long time after watching.
The topic that is touched upon in the film is sensitive and dangerous. It is for all times, relevant in any society. This is the theme of Nazism. It seems to me that any adult once thought about how he feels about the fact that some consider themselves superior to others on racial grounds. This is a dangerous path leading to endless debates. This can be seen in this film directed by Tony Kaye.
The film traces several ideas at once. One of them is an example of an older brother. For me, it was relevant because I am an older brother myself, and after watching the film as a teenager, I made conclusions for myself that it is necessary to think and analyze my actions a few steps ahead, because you can set an example to the younger ones. The main character seems to be thinking about similar things on the screen, but in a different way. He believes that by acting as he does, he will set an example to his brother how to be strong, self-confident, correct and authoritative in society. But only after a while he realizes that not everything is so clear and simple.
The cast is excellent. Edward Norton and Edward Furlong do an excellent job with images. Norton demonstrates his hero very skillfully. He is adamant, unpredictable, believes in his ideals, believes that all representatives of his movement are as selfless as he is. In the scene of the attack on his house, Norton frankly scared me. I even believed for a minute that it wasn't an actor playing, he was actually so cruel. His look just amazed me. I still remember that heartbreaking scene. I think this is the true professionalism of the actor.
Furlong smartly shows a growing up boy who is about to enter adulthood and is ready to imitate his older brother in everything. The hero begins to copy the one, accept his thoughts, pass them off as his own, sinking deeper into the abyss of hatred. Great game.
The characters are well developed, you understand their motives, you see the cause-and-effect relationships that lead to the finale of the film. The situation is heating up by the minute. It is felt, it is alarming, it makes you closely monitor what is happening on the screen.
Especially noticeable are the changes in the older brother, Derek. In prison, he realized, realized that all his ideals, which he had so fiercely defended, suddenly turned out to be not what was needed. His zeal, foundations, goals, steadfastness eventually lead to the collapse of those whom he considered close in spirit. An important role was played by a comrade, a black comrade, who showed that there is no difference between people, even if they are different in skin color. And after a while, Derek sees his younger brother and is horrified. He became his young copy, but what will this metamorphosis lead to? Derek is sure that to what happened to himself. And this cannot be allowed. And this exposed nerve literally cuts the viewer in each subsequent scene. The finale makes you watch the subsequent credits with your mouth open.
The movie is beautiful. He touches on an uncomfortable topic, makes every viewer think about what his vision of this topic is, what he feels when it comes to the topic of Nazism. And what conclusions can be drawn for yourself. A beautiful picture, worthy of attention for all thinking people.
10 out of 10