Allreaders.com

American History X Movie Review Summary

Actors: Edward Norton and Edward Furlong

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of American History X


White, middle-aged racist Derek is the leader of a neo-nazi group. After brutaly murdering two black men he is sent to prison for 3 years: he is only charged with manslaughter as his brother, the only witness does not testify. When in prison, Derek is slowly changed and forced into accepting black people (at one point he is attacked and raped by the white men in the prison). When he is released from prison his beliefs and views have changed and he attempts to save his brother from making his mistakes. During the film, the younger brother Danny is writing a school report on his life but is murdered at school by a black boy before giving it in.
Click here to see the rest of this review...

The review of this Movie prepared by Sasha Q




Derek, the older brother of the secondary character, Danny, is a powerful figure in the local neo-nazi community. After Danny and his friends win a game against the blacks at a local basketball court, 2 armed black teens attempt to steal Derek's truck. Derek shoots one before he can get a shot off, and brutally kills the other against the curb, and is sentenced to 3 years. Danny tries to follow in his footsteps while Derek is incarcerated. Throughout the movie Danny's principal attempts to help and guide Danny and Derek. Derek returns from prison a changed man. Derek tries to save Danny from making the same mistakes he did. It seems that Derek has managed to save Danny and his family. However, at the end of the movie Danny is gunned down in the bathroom on the day his report is due by a black student he had angered previously.
The review of this Movie prepared by Jon




A brutal eye opener!

Derek Vinyard , fustrated at the death of his father at the hands of black men he believes should not have been in "his" country , avenges that death by forming the D.O.C - a racist group with no aim as we are to find out.

After shooting dead one man and killing another with the help of a curb , he is incarcerated for 3 years. During this time he is viciously raped and befriended by a BLACK inmate.

In the outside world however , Danny , Dereks younger brother is following in his footsteps. Following orders from Cam (D.O.C big daddy!!!) , Danny is lead to believe that Black is scum and there is no place for them in society.He is failing at school so his headmaster who also taught Derek a few years earlier emplores him to write an essay on how Dereks actions have affected his life.

And so the story unfolds...first person narrative , gripping stuff , geat film - watch it!!!
The review of this Movie prepared by John Fenlon




Derek and Danny are two misled youths. Derek is arrested and incarcerated for the brutal murder of 3 black men who tried to steal his truck. In jail, Derek realizes the error of his white supremicist ways and comes home determined to rescue Danny. However, Derek gets through to Danny too late.
The review of this Movie prepared by Samantha Green




it's a movie about a neo-nazi trying to figure out really what his ideals are and realizing he needs to change them. After realizing this, in jail, he leaves his crew and tries to help his younger brother realize also.
The review of this Movie prepared by Ania




Derek, the leader or a Neo-Nazi gang went to jail for BRUTALLY killing a black gang members. Now he is out and must stop his little brother from following in his footsteps.
This movie is a powerful drama about ignorant racism and how gangs use propaganda to lure unsecure people to their cause.
This film uses a brillient idea of all events in the past being done in black and white. This, along with strong performances by Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, and Avery Brooks.
The review of this Movie prepared by Grey Culver




A film about the path two skinhead brothers take and the price they pay for their ignorance.
The review of this Movie prepared by Ryan Bauslaugh



Script Analysis of American History X

Click on a plot link to find similar books!

Plot & Themes

Time/era of movie:    -   1980's-1999 Kids growing up/acting up?    -   Yes Kids:    -   committing crimes Inner struggle or disability    -   Yes Struggle with    -   learns to be more sensitive Crime & Scandal    -   Yes Story of    -   criminal becomes sensitive

Main Character

Identity:    -   Male Age:    -   20's-30's Ethnicity/Nationality    -   White American

Setting

United States    -   Yes The US:    -   California City?    -   Yes City:    -   dangerous Misc setting    -   prison    -   school

Writing Style

Accounts of torture and death?    -   explicit references to deaths    -   very explicit references to deaths and torture Sex/nudity in movie?    -   Yes What kind of sex:    -   kissing    -   seeing nude male butt    -   sex under blankets Any profanity?    -   A lot of foul language    -   A huge amnt of foul language

Movies with storylines, themes & endings like American History X

American History X Message Board (click here)
Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
2 Ways to Search!
Or



Our Chief Librarian