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.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 5, 2023

Equal parts disturbing and honest, American History X is a sobering look at the power of role models.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 19, 2023

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

Some movies are considered a product of their time, but this is on another level. It's more like a product of the entire history of mankind. A history of war, of imperialism, and of superiority.

| Sep 5, 2021

The entire project is largely amateurish and incompetent on a technical level.

| Original Score: 4/10 | Sep 9, 2020

It's a gripping drama and a useful take on learning how to unlearn systemic beliefs.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 8, 2020

One of the year's more absorbing films.

| Original Score: A- | Mar 25, 2020

A tale of intergenerational racism and all it brings upon those who fall in line with a hideous ideology. Powerful, brutal, and takes proper aim at white supremacy.

| Original Score: 5/5 | May 5, 2019

American History X advocates that "those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it"? It's a powerful social document and should be part of your film watching curriculum.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | May 16, 2012

Norton is an amazing actor, a hot-dog whose delight in transformation is infectious.

| Aug 19, 2011

A well-made, well-acted and often violent film that offers a compelling portrait of redemption and the destructive nature of racism.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 19, 2011

This dark drama is not for kids.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 14, 2010

If didactic and overwrought at times, it's also powerful and persuasive. [Blu-ray]

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | May 25, 2009

...a violent film on a weighty topic...frank and honest, its characters, actions, and ideas compelling the viewer to look further and become involved.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Apr 16, 2009

Any idiot can make us wince at the ugliness of beatings and shootings.

| Original Score: D | Jul 23, 2007

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Oct 30, 2006

Two things hold the interest: Norton's astounding performance, and a feeling for the male reality of reactionary working class environments.

| Jun 24, 2006

Well-intentioned and well-acted but unconvicning, this saga provides an instructive example to the simplistic approach taken by movies when tackling the social problem of racism.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 26, 2006

American History X is flawed, yes, but is a worthwhile film that covers territories not dealt with in recent years.

| Original Score: B | Apr 9, 2005

Pesado e incmodo, discute o racismo com inteligncia e conta com uma interpretao absolutamente impecvel de Edward Norton.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 29, 2004