American History X is a 1998 American drama film directed by Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong. The film tells the story of two brothers, Derek (played by Norton) and Danny (played by Furlong). Their father is murdered by a black drug dealer and Derek is drawn into the neo-Nazi movement. Derek brutally kills two black gang members, whom he catches breaking into his truck, and spends three years in prison. The story shows how Danny is influenced by his older brother's actions and ideology. However, Derek is raped by white inmates in prison and changes his view of the world. He tries to prevent his brother from going down the same path as he did.
The movie was given an "R" rating in the USA for "graphic brutal violence includingrape, explicit language, strong sexuality and nudity." Critics mostly praised the film and Edward Norton got an Academy Award nod for Best Actor. The movie review site Rotten Tomatoes.com said it was: "A compelling and provocative story led by an excellent performance by Edward Norton." Movie critic Roger Ebert regarded it as, "always interesting and sometimes compelling, and it contains more actual provocative thought than any American film on race since Do the Right Thing". On the other hand, another critic said that, "in some places the dialogue is surprisingly stilted. Far worse, the ending is a misfire".