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.

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

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.

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

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.

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. ✌🏻

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!”

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

nice reaction man, that oreo joke made me laugh!

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.

Love your reaction. ☮️

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

"He started blasting immediately." Yeah. 😂

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 😢

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

As someone who appreciates learning new vocabulary, your channel is a treat!

Great commentary Mr Valentine.

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

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.

@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

I love his arch in this. Truly incredible Remember REAL racism is just ignorance...

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

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.

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.

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

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.

I like everybody else have held some form of ignornace growing up that I (and hopefully everybody else) grew out of. Movies like this help put many things into perspective and I always held onto the ending quote about life being too short to be angry all the time, it pulled a mirror up in front of myself and I learned to be mature and fair in my judgement of others. And to be clear, my beliefs were nowhere near as radical as what's portrayed in this movie but I could completely see myself falling into a similar trap at one point. My ignorance was never personal, it was only fueled by what I saw in the media so comparatively it was a lot easier to break out of. I used to be far left, and swung to the far right, and now I'm in the happy center on the majority of issues with certain things leaning one way or the other based on policy and personal belief. Movies like this are super important because they can really make you look at yourself and those around you without your best interest at heart. The societal manipulation through broken homes and families is very real, and extremist groups on both political sides prey on the broken and weak to manipulate and indoctrinate into their fold using emotional brainwashing to make a radical of you too. And the other thing that I appreciate about this movie too is it shows the extremes from both sides and shows you how cruel the cycle of hate is, and that even the action of breaking the cycle can incur tragedy. Great reaction, this is the first video of yours I've seen and will efinitely check out more.

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

First time watching, love you bro

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

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.

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

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 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. 😯😐

I’ve never watched an uncomfortably powerful movie in all my life. Ed Norton should have gotten an Oscar for this role.

The three most powerfull lines in this movie were when the prison coworker said in here your the nword. Second was when sweeney asked if anything you have done has made your life better. Third at the end when hes holding his dead brother and say what have I done. Its a movie everyone should watch. That line about has anything youve done made your life better is something I have always tried to keep in mind. If your not doing something to make your life better then your just wasting time.

Great reaction video man, I'll subscribe 👍

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

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 😔

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

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,

It was real, visceral, and reflective. It made you feel the hate and the redemption. While also saying life isn't fair.

I appreciate you

Beverly D'Angelo and everyone else, great performances

Detachment is another movie by the same director starring Adrian Brody…shorter than this but a serious analysis of the education system and poverty. Well worth a watch!!

A great movie!!!

A heavy movie with so many scenes that are beyond difficult to watch, but one everyone should see. Especially in the U.S. where some of these crooked, hate- and fear-based ideas still exist to this day. The ending is heart-breakingly tragic but it fits and makes the cycle of violence that much more poignant. Thankfully they went with the more hopeful ending instead of the ending with Derek shaving his head, that would’ve ruined the message. You nailed it with that quote, not matter how much we change we cannot escape the consequences of our past actions, it’s this movie to a T. Thank you for your insightful reaction and for your recommendation of Native Son, it’s on my reading list now. You, your channel, and commentary are greatly appreciated, looking forward to your next watches!

Can't get enough of your reactions! Thank goodness for the next generation!

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

"Mid coitus" is one of my all time favorite things to say at awkward times, cracks me up that you said that. This is such an intense and relevant movie, hard to watch knowing these same ideologies alive and well today. Mr. Valentine thank you for great reaction, when you called the people troglodytes I became subscriber.

In the original ending, after Danny dies it goes back to black and white and Derek shaves his head, supposedly Edward Norton had it changed.

the shawshank impression earned my like lmfao

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."

First time watching you react. You're so intelligent, I had to subscribe immediately. I would love to watch you react to schindlers list.

“ a g** in one hand and camera in the other somethings getting shot” this is golden 😅