Edward Norton gives an impassioned performance as Derek Vinyard, a Southern Californian skinhead who must do time after committing a hateful murder. Once in jail, his mind opens and he sees the error of his ways. Upon reentering the real world, he must now turn his attentions to his younger brother Danny, who is swiftly heading down the same path as his brother. Controversy surrounded the film when director Tony Kaye disowned it, claiming that Norton had the film re-edited without Kaye's permission. Norton still got an Oscar Nomination for his intense performance.

• ...Norton breaks loose....A triumph of acting....^Kaye] works with flair and verve and control... - Entertainment Weekly
• ...AMERICAN HISTORY X has enough fiery acting and provocative bombast to make its impact felt....It has been directed with a mixture of handsome photo-realism and visceral punch... - New York Times
• AMERICAN HISTORY X is an explosive, scorched-earth drama in which Edward Norton gives a blistering, brilliant performance... - Rolling Stone
• ...Edward Norton's Oscar-nominated performance is the film's magnetic centre... - Sight And Sound
• ...An intense achievement....An excellent cast, the young leads stand out, including a best-yet performance from Furlong... - Total Film