American History X
American History X is a 1998 American crime drama film directed by Tony Kaye (in his feature directorial debut) and written by David McKenna. The film stars Edward Norton and Edward Furlong as two brothers from Los Angeles who are involved in the white power skinhead and neo-Nazi movements. The older brother (Norton) serves three years in prison for voluntary manslaughter, is rehabilitated during this time, and then tries to prevent his brother (Furlong) from being indoctrinated further. The supporting cast includes Fairuza Balk, Stacy Keach, Elliott Gould, Avery Brooks, Ethan Suplee and Beverly D'Angelo.
Plot
Danny Vinyard antagonizes his Jewish history teacher Murray by writing an essay on Mein Kampf. As a result, African-American principal and outreach worker Dr. Bob Sweeney gives an ultimatum to either study history directly under him through current events, "American History X," or be expelled. Danny must write a paper on his older brother Derek, Sweeney's former student and neo-Nazi leader, whose prison release is scheduled that day.