Some legacies must end. "We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic cords of memory will...

Some legacies must end. "We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic cords of memory will swell when again touched as surely they will be by the better angels of our nature." American History X is a profound and stirring drama about the consequences of urban racism as a family is torn apart by hate. A graphic examination of extremism in America, the film follows one man's struggle to reform himself and save his brother after living a life consumed by violence and bigotry. Raging for retribution over the murder of their firefighter father and burning for a way to vent his rage, Derek finds himself transformed by a philosophy of hate. His incendiary actions ultimately culminate in a brutal murder and a prison sentence for himself. Three years later, everyone awaits Derek's return: His mother Doris (Beverly D'Angelo), who prays for his safety; his girlfriend (Fairuza Balk); and most of all Danny, who is desperate for his brother's love and guidance. On the day of Derek's release from prison, Danny hands in a school book report on Mein Kampf. Enraged, the school principal (Avery Brooks) demands that Danny write a new paper, one on the events that led to Derek's incarceration. Fresh from prison, Derek no longer views hatred as a badge of honor. He is ashamed of his past and is now in a race to save Danny and the Vineyard family from the violence he's brought upon them.