AMERICAN HISTORY X *First Time Watching* an important and disquieting film | Movie Reaction Analysis 

Ed Norton gave one of the best performances I've ever seen in this movie. The range in one character is astonishing. From young, sad Derek, to the skinhead rage, and then the rehabilitated adult, unreal.

That curb stomp has haunted me for years

I love how the Vinyard family shows the different types of racism we often see. The Father is the Quiet Racist. He says it under his breathe, he seems to know it's wrong so he doesn't reveal it often. His kids seem surprised when they hear him speak this way. The Son is the Fanatic Racist. He lives it, breathes it, revels in it. His entire life revolves around it. He doesn't feel an ounce of shame, pity, remorse, or regret. The Brother is the Indoctrinated Racist. Very much like the fanatic, but his racism only exists because of his close relationship with the fanatic, who he respects, and loves. It only took a SINGLE HEART TO HEART CONVERSATION to convince him how wrong he was. But the most important thing this movie taught me, is that no one can escape the consequences of hate. It won't just hurt you, but your family. Even if you've learned from your mistakes and try to move on in life, your hate can still come back to hurt those you love.

The thing this movie does so great is trying to have empathy and finding redemption for those we hate or disagree with. Its one of the hardest things to do knowing a person is bad but still try to reach out hand. Because most of time as a society we just spit on them and act surprised they don't change.

I love that Derek changing his beliefs didn't come down to getting to know and like one or two people from a group he hated: that might not have worked if he hadn't seen how shallow and hypocritical the belief of his peers was in practice. Then, to be assaulted by your peers for the same "hypocrisy" they practice themselves? In the same vein, the responsibility of Derek's father being killed didn't come down just to the race of the person who killed him: in Derek's mind, he remembers that his father didn't trust the men on his team to protect his life. It's a complicated, nuanced story with a simple message: hate is baggage.

Watching this when it came out, I was 16. I was a punk just looking for something to pour my teenage hate, and rage into. Now watching this at 42 makes me feel dissapointed at the idiot kid that I was. This movie has changed people. I was not a bigoted asshole, just a punk kid. Now I love everyone, it doesn't matter race, religion, sex. I don't care, we are all human. Love each other

Derek also had another realization in prison. When he heard the man’s story about his minor crime and how he got more time for that than Derek did for what he did, opened his mind to the extreme racial bias in the justice system not just society. I just found you and I love your reactions. Much love. ✌🏻

GREAT MOVIE AND LIKE YOU SAID, AN IMPORTANT FILM.. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THE CIRCLE OF VIOLENCE AND HATE.

Really tough to watch at times, but it's a film that you never forget

This might be the most painful movie I’ve ever watched, but it is just so important, and hauntingly real. The curb stomp is one of the most horrific moments on film, but the ending hurts even more. Apparently the original script had Derek shaving his head again at the end, reflecting him getting dragged back into the cycle of hate, but I heard Edward Norton demanded that it be removed, leaving hope that, despite the horrible loss he endures, his character might choose not to give in to going back to the hate. I don’t know. It’s a film that needs to be appreciated, but I’ve only been able to watch it all the way through once. Appreciate your analysis. Thanks for doing this reaction, Sir.

Cool reaction my guy, an important film for sure. Also, really enjoyed your review / conclusion. The world needs more people like you.

Edward Norton is such a fantastic actor. Primal Fear was the first thing I saw him in. Stunning.

Your voice is very calming and I love your insights! The way you utilize vocabulary is so cool, you talk with ease like a well written paper with tons of thesaurus words! It’s very neat to see 😊

You might be the most insightful reactors I've come across. Really appreciate your analysis of this movie.

In the original ending they showed Edward Norton back at home shaving his head before the cut to black, but the director decided on a more optimistic ending. And rightfully so I think

William Russ is the dad. Most known for his role as Alan Matthews or Corey’s dad in the sitcom Boy Meets World.

I forgot how well this story was told. Ed Norton is a dope ass actor. I remember his role in Primal Fear; the first time I saw him.

Great reaction and analysis. That last scene with him and his brother as kids running carefree along the beach always cuts me to the bone. I love the fact that the movie doesn't need to show Lamont going to the other inmates and telling them to leave Derek alone. The fleeting look on his face before being dismissive confirms that he did look out for him.

When you threw out that Nietsche line in the MIDDLE of the movie, I was like, “Great quote but wait till the end!”

"He started blasting immediately." Yeah. 😂

This movie should be shown in all schools!!! Fr. i think you can learn much from this movie!!!! Keep up the good work man

the mutual animosity is a great way to explain the beginning of this film

I've said before that i love your edits, but i think your eloquence is what I truly love about your reactions 👨🏾‍🎓🏆

If you want to continue the Ed Norton run, check out Primal Fear next. Young Ed plays another wild role in a movie that will blow your mind.

Thanks for reacting to this movie, it's definitely an entertaining classic

EVERYONE needs to see this movie. It’s not exaggerated, it is completely real, whether under the surface or right out in the open. We only thought these things went away, but the evidence is in plain sight online and T.V. Yes, my man, this movie could have been made yesterday. Also, “racist valise” - brilliant!

Love your reaction. ☮️

nice reaction man, that oreo joke made me laugh!

Hate is baggage.

American History X is a film that everyone should see once. It handles a very difficult subject matter extremely well & the performances from an excellent cast are incredible. However, as much as I love American History X, it, like many others; & along with the vast majority of the media has one unfortunate side effect. This is, to re-enforces the negative stereotyping that surrounds Skinhead culture & skips over the true roots of the movement. The far right / white power skinheads often seen in films like American History X, are as far removed from being true skins as one could possibly imagine. The rise to prominence of skinheads came in two waves, with the first wave taking place in the late 1960s in the UK. The first skinheads were working class youths motivated by an expression of alternative values and working class pride, rejecting both the austerity and conservatism of the 1950s-early 1960s and the more middle class or bourgeois hippie movement and peace and love ethos of the mid to late 1960s. Skinheads were instead drawn towards more working class outsider subcultures, incorporating elements of early working class mod fashion and Jamaican music and fashion, especially from Jamaican rude boys. An overlap that existed between early skinhead subculture, mod subculture, and the rude boy subculture found among Jamaican British and Jamaican immigrant youth, as these three groups interacted and fraternized with each other within the same working class and poor neighbourhoods in Britain. As skinheads adopted elements of mod subculture and Jamaican British and Jamaican immigrant rude boy subculture, both first and second generation skins were influenced by the rhythms of ska, rocksteady, and reggae, as well as sometimes African-American soul and rhythm and blues. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a revival or second wave of the skinhead subculture, with increasing interaction between its adherents and the emerging punk movement. Oi!, a street-level working class offshoot of punk rock, soon became a vital component of skinhead culture, while the Jamaican genres beloved by first generation skinheads were filtered through punk and new wave in a style known as 2 Tone. With these twin musical movements, the skinhead subculture diversified, and contemporary skinhead fashions ranged from the original clean-cut 1960s mod- and rude boy-influenced styles to less-strict punk-influenced styles. During the early 1980s, political affiliations grew in significance and split the subculture, demarcating the far-right and far-left strands, although many skins described themselves as apolitical. In Great Britain, the skinhead subculture became associated in the public eye with membership of groups such as the far-right National Front and British Movement. By the 1990s, neo-Nazi skinhead movements existed across all of Europe and North America, but were counterbalanced by the presence of groups such as Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice which sprung up in response. To this day, the skinhead subculture reflects a broad spectrum of political beliefs, even as many continue to embrace it as a largely apolitical working class movement. Growing up in the North of England during the 1980s, I witnessed both sides of the skinhead movement. To this day, I have a number of skinhead friends & they are some of the most tolerant, peace loving people you could ever wish to meet.

bro i had to google like 30 words that you used, your vocabulary is off the charts!

You’re so articulate and I love that you show pride in it.

Crazy to think that they had an alternative ending to this but Edward Norton changed it. It would have been even more crazy to see him shaving his head again at the end of the movie but I’m glad Edward wasn’t comfortable with that.

I loved your reaction and because i knew what was coming your feelings throughout helped me to re examine my own feeling around this difficult and complex subject of race - thankyou

A reaction that quotes Nietzsche and Zappa... I never expected.

I really really enjoyed watching this again with you. New subscriber. Great job man. Great Video

I'm so glad a stumbled across your channel. Knowing nothing about you and not reading any of the other comments, I have to wonder if you are a writer. As for the movie, so many profound scenes but one part I haven't heard discussed is the boys face right after he shoots Danny. It's subtle but I've seen this a few times and it always hits me. His face turns from anger and hate to fear and horror over what he just did and you see a bit of his innocence peaking through. Look at this kid and be reminded that he too is just an impressionable child whose life just changed in an instant and the cycle continues. 😢

I forgot his teacher is captain sisko. Makes this movie so much better.

People discuss Ed Norton's tremendous acting in the movie (for good reason), but Edward Furlong's work was as remarkable. Loved your reaction, and your logophilia! Edited to remove redundancy.

This is a movie that sticks with you. It's impactful and powerful.

I’ve watched a few of your videos and this is the one that made me want to subscribe to your channel. I’ve always loved this flick, I remember reading about it when I was about 11-12 when it was shown at the Canne Film Festival in 1898 or 1999. This is brilliant film, and you’re reaction to and in the spot analysis of it, is definitely one of the best and most eloquently spoken ones I’ve ever. Well done sir.

Really enjoyed your commentary and POV on this. Nice job man

The history teacher/mom's ex boyfriend is Ross Geller's dad from Friends

Nice analysis 👍👍👍

What I love about this film is that they humanize someone's radicalisation. Derek is not born a monster he becomes one through; nature, nurture, situation and culture. Under all the tattoos and hate he is still a human being who loves his family (even if he treats them very poorly while indicated). It helps you to relate and look in at your own less violent prejudice

Came across your channel by accident looking for AHX reactions and clicked on yours. Fantastic analysis of a very tough movie to get through. Well done. Subbed.

This is the most eloquent and well thought out reaction to this film. Subbed

One thing this movie shows is how being racist towards others is 110% taught and encouraged. Nobody is born racist.

Learned a bunch new words from ya ❤

What a great reaction and analysis, I just found your channel and subscribed, definitly want to see more of your reactions!

The speech he did before running into the supermarket is really relevant today. He spoke a lot of truth there.

This was a great reaction! On what is one hell of a tough watch. This is the first time I've found your channel, but I am a fan :D

This movie saved me from my angry youth. I would probably be dead if it wasn't for this. True art that has humongous humanistic message

8:57 It was a Triumph! ( of the will ). well played :)

I love how well spoken you are.

I saw American History X then later on bought the DVD because it seemed such an important movie that I should have it in my collection. I haven't had the strength to watch it since; I've looked at it so many times thinking I should watch it but never had the resolve to put it in the machine and actually watch it. Watching it with you, Mr Valentine, made it - not easier - doable. Everyone needs to see it at least once.

Now that kid that shot his little brother is going through the system as a result of everything. The hatred fuels more hatred and ruins lives galore.

This was an emotional and intellegent reaction. Thumbs up. I look forward to seeing more. I like that you didn't end the conversation with the movie.

I just found you tonight. You obviously have a grasp on film and art in general. You earned a sub.

Great reaction. One of my take aways was that there are ignorant people of every skin color. As 2Pac said in Ghetto Gospel "it ain't about black and white because we're human". Hate is hate no matter who's spewing it.

I’m impressed with your commentary and the way you speak and comment good job

New subscriber. One of the most powerful movies I've ever seen in my 63 years on this earth. Sending peace love and respect. Hugz from Nana in Texas.

It always strikes me when you think of when this movie was made. It was pre-Columbine. The idea of a school shooting was even more tragic. Unfortunately today it is not nearly as shocking.

After breaking down at the end with you myself thank GOD you have Tropic Thunder for me to follow up with to even my vibe out 😭 😂

I'm really impressed that he knew who pistol Pete and Steve Nash is..... 👏👏

Imagine thinking the speech outside the grocery was nonsense. Especially when its twice as true in 2024.

Glad I found your channel. I appreciate your take. I also appreciate your reverence for the English language. Language can simply be a drab and expedient tool of necessity, but it can also be dressed up and presented in such a manner as to stimulate the long dormant theater of the mind which has, for many, been deemed unnecessary in this current age. Looking forward to more video from you, Good Sir

Awesome reaction. You nailed it. Keep up the great work.

I liked this movie for its honesty. I think the ending muddles the message. In the opening, Danny, regardless of his reasons, is standing up for someone being bullied. The entire rest of the movie is immaterial to that. If Derek had died in prison, if Derek had been acquitted at trial, if Derek had run off and joined the French Foreign Legion, Danny would still have wound up on the bathroom floor, so long as he stands up to that bully. Most reactors comment on how tragic Danny's death is, because he has been rehabilitated. If he was still a racist, would his death have been less tragic? Would the shooter have been more justified? The movie did such a good job at unflinching honesty, it is a shame it threw it all away for the sake of a plot twist. 😯😐

Excellent analysis. Your commentary on this film is the best I've seen on RU-vid. I agree it is a disturbing but important film. Bravo!

I saw this in the theatre when it came out and had no idea what I was in for. It's still one of the most powerful movies I've ever seen.

Beverly D'Angelo and everyone else, great performances

Edward Norton was slightly embarrassed because he couldn't make the dunk in the game, so they had to lower the rim for the dunk scene.

Read Guns, Germs, and Steel. It's the best epochal breakdown of how the colonial era broke down and it gives pause to any notion of any superiority based on melanation.

Seriously one of my faviorte movies. Avery Brooks pretty much just being himself lol. I think the big difference between this and the current immigration issue is for most it's not a race issue. I think most don't care what race the people are. I think most actually have empathy for those wanting a better life, especially those willing to work for it. However the cartels controlling that immigration is a terrible situation. I've seen the Rape Tree where women and children are raped as they are smuggled over the border. I'm just going to stop there because for those who do struggle with race hate (or pride if they want to call it that) I hope the reflection this movie provides helps them see we are more alike than we are different.

I love your open mind and non biased opinion during this reaction. This movie, regardless of the sensitive content, is actually a sincere life lesson on ignorance from any side. The past and present scenes are so incredibly done. This film should've won so many awards.

Death to Smoochy if you want the polar opposite of Norton's acting range. So underrated.

Great commentary Mr Valentine.

@Mr Valentine not a movie i can watch often but such a well done powerful film on hate, ignorance, and how Hate almost always comes at huge personal cost. You knew this was coming and movie fan to movie fan that is impressive Sir

a hard watch indeed, but it also gives some perspective. My big takeaway from this movie is, Exactly what Danny says at the end. Hate is Baggage, Life is too short to be pissed of all the time.

Watch rounders with Matt Damon and Edward Norton..so good

13:34 "this group of people"? Know where you hear this rhetoric in 2024? Chicago. New York. Baltimore.

This movie as so important and I appreciate that you are doing a réaction to it.

Great reaction and thoughtful interesting comments not just emotional responses. It always gets me when Norton says "What have I done!", with the emphasis on "I". Hey doesn't say "they", which I think is the peak of his growth, being able to claim yourself and not others for the consequences of your actions.

This movie is cinema perfection, I just hope they NEVER try to remake it and ruin the message. Sure some references aren't as relevant as 1998, but so long as hate against humanity is a problem, this movie will always be important,

Cant believe you cut out the best line in the movie. " Hate is baggage. Life's too short to be pissed off all the time. It's just not worth it."

Such an important movie, and it shows the stupidity of hate on both sides

A film I recommend that's somewhat in the same vein as this is This Is England

This is such a tough/powerful movie. Hard to watch but I believe everyone should see it at least once. It definitely stays with you 😔

I didn't become obsessed with LEGO until I was an adult. We even went to LEGOLAND in CA and it was AWESOME.

I appreciate you

Yes it ends on the other side of racism and hatred

Theres indeed no problems out there in the world that cant be solved with some joint laundry folding. Thanks for sharing your genuine reactions to a classic. Cheers bro

After they win they attack his home because they were sore losers

The rodney king dinner table discussion is damned eerie in just how identical it is to shit being said a couple years ago

Great reaction and yes most of the time starts at home. Greetings from France 🇫🇷

Great reaction! Keep em coming NO DIDDY Yo do u also do a hip hop podcast?

Excellent watchalong with good insight. Much appreciated for a film I rate very highly

When I was growing up, I was always pretty racist. Growing up in Georgia will do that to you sometimes. Right after high school I joined the marines and deployed to Afghanistan after boot camp and SOI. About 6 months this into the deployment we were on the side of this mountain when we started getting ambushed. I got a pretty descent sized piece of shrapnel in my leg and slid down the side of the mountain a pretty good ways. In the midst of all this, a guy in my platoon who was black, slid down there to get me without a second thought. He drug me back up there probably 4 or 500 yards. He saved me. I hate myself for thinking the way I thought for a long time. I don’t know if I’ll be able to forgive myself. I don’t know why I ever thought that stuff. I’ve always thought this movie needs to be shown in every high school in the country.

Great reaction my man! I am mixed race, so all the racism in the world seems crazy to me!