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American History X (1998)

8.6
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Ratings: 8.6/10 from 448,090 users   Metascore: 62/100
Reviews: 1,315 user | 148 critic | 32 from Metacritic.com

A former neo-nazi skinhead tries to prevent his younger brother from going down the same wrong path that he did.

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Title: American History X (1998)

American History X (1998) on IMDb 8.6/10

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Top 250 #33 | Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 9 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

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Jason Bose Smith ...
Little Henry (as Jason Bose-Smith)
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Storyline

Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two thugs who tried to break into/steal his truck. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did. Written by Nitesh D.(nmxpa7@msn.com)

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

prison | skinhead | neo nazi | gang | murder | See more »

Taglines:

His father taught him to hate. His friends taught him rage. His enemies gave him hope. See more »

Genres:

Crime | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for graphic brutal violence including rape, pervasive language, strong sexuality and nudity | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

12 February 1999 (Denmark)  »

Also Known As:

Generacija X  »

Box Office

Budget:

$7,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£120,629 (UK) (26 March 1999)

Gross:

£291,438 (UK) (2 April 1999)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

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Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Before filming began, Edward Norton and Edward Furlong shaved their heads for their roles. Norton also gained 30 pounds of muscle. See more »

Goofs

Derek has his top button buttoned when the doors open to exit is cell. Once out of the cell, the button is unbuttoned. See more »

Quotes

Cameron: You made the fat kid a little nervous. He thinks the joint messed with your mind.
Derek Vinyard: It did.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in The Sopranos: The Second Coming (2007) See more »

Soundtracks

"Battle Hymn of the Republic"
(circa 1856) (uncredited)
Music by William Steffe
Lyrics by Julia Ward Howe (1862)
Sung a cappella by Ethan Suplee with modified lyrics
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
This was probably the best movie I've ever seen
9 December 1998 | by (NY) – See all my reviews

I honestly don't think I have ever seen a better movie than American History X in my entire life! I may only be 14, but I have seen a lot of movies. I am an avid fan of them, and this one just takes the cake. Edward Norton is just unbelievable. He is the most talented actor I've ever laid eyes on. His performance in the movie is phenomenal. He delves so deep into his character that he can convince the whole audience easily of his neo-nazi role. The look on his face as he walks back from killing one man in the first seen is purely horrifying. The entire move was dramatic, intriguing, and powerful. It really is moving and emotional as well as scary. It is so true to life, and provides the viewer with such insight into the life and events that create a monster such as Derek Vinyard. It answers many questions I have long awaited an answer to such as what could possibly make someone act as Derek did in this movie, yet left open-ended many others that people such as myself may have. Almost every single scene in the movie was extremely captivating. I can't even go on to say more about the acting, other than if Edward Norton does not win best actor this year, I will go absolutely nuts. It's bad enough he lost it to Cuba Gooding Jr. when he was in Primal Fear, which was yet another incredible performance by him. Edward Furlong, the little kid from T2 is astounding as the confused brother of Derek. I was stunned walking out of the theater after seeing American History X, and I don't think I will ever have the benefit of seeing another movie as good as this one as long as I live. I recommend anyone with a good tolerance for violent and graphic depictions go see this movie. I am bewildered as to why director Tony Kaye would ever want out of this success. If I were to rate this movie, as I often do for others in reviewing them for school, I would give it an A+ with all of my heart.


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