Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.
"American History X" tells the story of Derek Vinyard, a young man who becomes a neo-Nazi skinhead after his firefighter father is killed. The movie follows Derek's journey into hate and violence, his time in prison, and his eventual attempt to change his life and save his younger brother, Danny, from following the same path. From this film, you can learn vocabulary related to racism and prejudice (like "skinhead," "propaganda," and "bigotry"), as well as vocabulary related to the legal system (like "incarceration," "parole," and "correctional"). You'll also encounter more informal language used by teenagers and gang members. This movie explores powerful themes like racism, redemption, and the influence of family and community. It evokes strong emotions such as anger, fear, and hope. The language used ranges from formal speeches and classroom discussions to casual conversations and heated arguments. This variety of language will expose you to different speaking styles and tones, which can help you understand the nuances of English communication. The intense emotional scenes can also help you learn how to express feelings in English. Learning English with "American History X" can be very beneficial. The realistic dialogue will improve your comprehension of everyday spoken English. The movie's complex themes and characters provide opportunities for discussion and critical thinking, which can enhance your overall language skills. Finally, the film's powerful message about the dangers of hate and the possibility of change can offer valuable insights into American culture and society. While the film contains strong language and violence, using it as a learning tool can be a powerful way to improve your English while engaging with a thought-provoking story. Remember to use subtitles and a dictionary to help you understand unfamiliar words and expressions.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in American History X:
