American History X

It had a captivating beginning. One where it captures the elements of the middle - a cold open, and then comes back to it. This beginning has you somewhat rooting for evil Norton. But as the story continues, it dramatifies his character as he does evil things with flashbacks. But during the present, Norton has changed and doesn't want any part of the life he once had. He confronts his demons and deals with it, causing a fight with his brother.

Through cuts of present times and Norton's past, it is revealed Norton's notoriousness. Finally, it brings back the scene from the beginning, and how he excuted murder. It does a long segment about his prison time, before returning to the present again. At that point, his brother understands where he's coming from. 

What I really like is just the overall flow of the story. Things went smoothly and a very well made story was created. I also like how they used flashbacks - a technique I want to steal.