Films that set out to expose racial hatred for "what it is" sometimes appear to be fanning the very flames that they are trying to quash. Remember Mississippi Burning, a portrait of systematic racial violence in America's Deep South? The pointy hooded klan reportedly advised their members to go and see the film because they felt it served their cause. The same might be said about elements of American History X.

The film sets out to expose the currents of race hatred in a poor Californian neighbourhood, and does so without glossing over any home truths. Racism comes in all hues: slipped in at the family dinner table or vitriolically bellowed out at ear-bleed volume through a concert PA stack.

The story follows Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), the leader of a Venice Beach gang of skinheads, who is released from prison after doing time for killing two black crooks he caught breaking into his car. His younger brother Daniel (Edward Furlong) is now following in big bro's footsteps and looks up to him for leadership. But he discovers that his brother has changed a great deal during his stint behind bars.

Insights into Derek's development are presented in flash-back: the past, where convictions are more cut and dry, is filmed in black and white. The young Derek, seen through his brother's eyes, has an aura of divinity about him reflected in the music and religious iconography.

The performances are all excellent. Edward Norton shows an extensive broadening of his range, while Edward Furlong shows plenty of promise as an older actor. Avery Brooks gives a strong performance as the African American teacher who cares enough to try and work through the hatred.

American History X goes to the root of racist hatred. It reveals how potent a brew racist rhetoric can be on vulnerable, young minds. It is, ultimately, unambiguous in its depiction of the wastefulness and ugliness of racist rage and violence, but also offers a way of breaking the vicious circle of hatred. Racists may find ways of twisting the film to their cause, but then they always will.