American History X

I was very disturbed when I found out that we had to watch this movie as the best film that depicts the American life. I had never seen this movie before but had heard about the black man that dies by having his head smashed into a curb. Needless to say, I really enjoyed every minute of this movie. I was shocked, but also touched by the overall message of the movie and even shed a few tears at the end.

Edward Norton was a phenoemnal actor playing Derek, a man who was involved in a group called the D.O.C.(Disciples of Christ). He led this group and brain washed many people into hating people from other races especially the blacks. The whole movie is really disturbing seeing how much hate consumes these followers of the Disciples of Christ. Derek's mission is to make everyone aware of his opinions on different races and make life a living hell for anyone who is an illegal immigrant or for anyone who is black. Derek is really a great leader, he's dynamic, he has charisma, and he is very passionate about his beliefs. I am not surprised that he had so many followers despite the horrible things he made them to do. Derek's main follower was his little brother Danny.

Derek and Danny both grew up in a typical loving home with a mom, a dad and two sisters. Derek's life didn't turn upside down until his father was killed. It is apparent that this was the turning point that led the family to destruction. The mom lost control over her children and suffered health problems from the stress of raising such rebellious children. There seems to be a lot of anger and resentment from Derek against even his own family. He turns on his sister, his mom and can't seem to control his temper. Derek has such a strong personality that cannot be tamed without major consequences. Derek does wind up turning his life around after spending three grueling years in prison for killing two black gang members. Prison was the best thing that could have ever happened to Derek. It was during his stay that he developed some compassion for the blacks and ironically grew to dislike the white men. It was in this terrible place that he actually opened up to a black man and began to realize the admirable qualities that they possess. Upon returning from prison Derek did a 180 and began to leave his old ways.

The story unravels when Derek changes his ways and tries to undo the harm he has caused in other people's lives, especially his little brother. Danny begins to follow the path of destruction that his older brother once followed. Danny gets in trouble at school and gets assigned a project to write a paper on his broters life. It's through the writing of this paper where we learn the history of the family and understand why they are in their current situation. This paper is very significant in causing flashbacks and details that are very essential to the story. The paper symbolizes Danny's decision to make things right in his own life and to embrace humanity.

The saddest part of this story is the realization that bad things happen to people who don't deserve it. Although Derek repented for his wrong doings he had to suffer the worst consequence of having his little brother shot. Danny was such a great kid that did not deserve what he got. Danny was the one that had a great heart, who was going to make something of himself and who decided to write this paper to redeem his history grade. Derek deserved this ill act while Danny's the one that had his life cut short. The last scene was so disheartening because Danny's future was shot just like his poor lifeless body. I keep seeing the flashbacks of the two young brothers on the beach running around with innocent smiles. This just reminds me of how sweet life can be and how it should be. Hate only leads to desctruction. Bitterness and resentment can eat away at a person's soul and damage themselves more than it can hurt anyone else. The ending was really beautiful showing the sunset and the waves. I am very happy I was forced to watch this movie. I appreciate the way it made me think and feel.