This is one of the best movies ever made. Out of the hundreds of films I have seen, this seems to stand above the rest. The dramatic tension, the incredible story, the acting is incredible, and it has one of the saddest endings to any film I have ever seen. Now, there are a few concerns that I have for parents, like strong language, there is a short sex scene, there is also a scene that shows Norton's character get raped in a prison, and the few violent scenes it has are graphic (especially the end). This story is one of the best in film. It shows how a family can be torn apart by one person's choice that had been influenced by his past. For example, you find out that the reason why Norton became a racist is because of the fact his dad was killed by someone that wasn't his skin color. So immediately, Norton assumes that this was a hate crime against his dad because of the fact he was white. This story takes itself seriously, but not too seriously, it is at that perfect balance which most films cannot find. The acting in this film is top-notch. Norton delivers, and the supporting cast is incredible. There isn't a single scene that is overacted, or underacted. Norton shines in this film, because at times you hate his guts for what he had done, and other times he appears to be a saint. Norton's younger brother starts off the movie as a racist jerk, who doesn't care who or what he hurts, and you end the film with him trying to change the stuff he had done. The ending to this film, without giving too much away, is incredible. When I first saw this I was thinking, by the end of this film, “Okay movie, you were good, but what can you throw at me to make you incredible?” Well the ending turned a good movie into my second favorite movie of all time. I won't tell you what happens, but it is incredibly powerful. On a whole, this film should only be viewed by audiences that could get the meaning behind the story, and who can handle a film that earned every bit of its “R” rating. This is my second favorite movie of all time for a good reason. 5 out of 5
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American History X
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 16. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
This dark drama is not for kids.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 16–17
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About American History X
Parents need to know that this flawed but live-wire drama of two brothers caught up in a violence-ridden SoCal skinhead lifestyle raises some important points, but the mixture of very R-rated realism (strong language, hideous violence, and frank sex) makes this a very guarded choice for anyone but older teens and up.
Read our full review by Charles Cassady Jr.
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about how there are actually such things as skinhead-punk gangs who are avowedly anti-racist, and if that's any better a solution to the cycle of violence and reprisal here.
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title off for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
#2 all time for me
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
Must see film for teens
This movie is excellent it should be shown in schools to promote anti-racial messages and such. But, the violence and language is pretty bad byt they make the movie brutally honest in order to convey the message of needing to spread peace. Norton gives a career making performance in this film
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
It's a great anti-racist movie. There is a graphic prison gang rape, plus some racial violence and plenty of profanity. I guess if your 13 or 14+, you should be able to handle it.
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
White Boy views?
From a white boy from Columbus, Ohio who grew up in Suburbia America where the only black kid on the street was the rich "white/black" boy. Growing up in a secular school where the white kids wanna be gangster and live in the "ghetto." not knowing there was even such a thing as skin heads or gangs. I recommend this movie immensely. I rarely watch movies like this unedited but I say watch it. Not with your kids though. It gets the message across. Leaves you sitting asking questions. Wondering whats the point. Is there a point? Great movie, you get use to the F word. Changed my views on racism and different lifestyles, did better for me to watch this movie then to sit in a class and hear about slavery and society today, I'm sure its worse now then when this movie was filmed.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
American History X
Good movie; should be shown to teens who have problems or are want to be gangsters. Racism is a big topic here. should be watched with another person even as an adult so it could be discussed
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
Excellent Lesson
This one definitly isn't for the kids. But older teens can definitly grasp the message which is sometimes you have no idea what you believe in. The main character realizes how wrong what he believes is and makes the effort to change it. When he does he has to realize that making that change comes at a great cost. The movie flows as a lesson to a teenage boy and is a good lesson for teenagers to hear. But watch it with them so that they don't get lost by all the other stuff.
- I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it
Should be required for all high schoolers
This movie does not pretend; it is *brutally* honest. It tells you, accurately and violently, what happens when one allows hate to rule his or her life. If your kid is mature enough to handle it, it can serve as a great warning.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
OH NO YOU DIDN'T!!!!
Did you just give one of the most powerful movies ever made a 2/5?!?!?!?!?!? I think you did. I can't believe it. This is considered one of the greatest movies!!! 2/5!!!! It is cringingly violent, has PERVASIVE language and sex, but it's still a GREAT film. I hope you watch it again and realize that, or not. heheh.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 100% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
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