Watch Malcolm X
- PG-13
- 1992
- 3 hr 22 min
-
7.7 (103,105)
Malcolm X is a biographical drama film released in 1992, directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, and Delroy Lindo. The movie tells the story of Malcolm X, a black activist and civil rights leader who rose to prominence during the 1950s and 1960s. The film chronicles Malcolm's life from his early childhood to his conversion to Islam, his leadership in the Nation of Islam, and his eventual split with the organization. It also covers his travels to Africa and the Middle East, and his transformation into a more inclusive human rights leader in his later years.
The film starts by showing Malcolm's early life, where he's seen witnessing the brutal murder of his father at a young age. This event shapes his life and leads him into a life of crime and rebellion as a teenager. He eventually gets arrested and sent to prison, where he becomes involved with the Nation of Islam after his brother introduces him to the religion. He soon becomes a prominent member of the organization, advocating for black separatism and fighting for black rights in America.
As Malcolm's fame grows, he becomes a controversial figure in the eyes of the government and the media. He is portrayed as a militant and extremist, and his fiery speeches and calls for revolution land him in trouble with the authorities. He is intimidated, harassed, and jailed several times throughout the movie, leading to tensions within the Nation of Islam and his eventual split with the organization.
Malcolm's travels to Africa and the Middle East play a significant role in his transformation from a black separatist to a human rights activist. He learns about the injustices faced by people of all races and nationalities, and he decides to become an advocate for all oppressed people, not just black Americans. This shift in focus leads him to become a more inclusive and enlightened leader in his later years.
Throughout the movie, Denzel Washington delivers a powerful and compelling portrayal of Malcolm X. He captures the fiery passion, intellect, and charisma of the man and brings him to life on the screen. Angela Bassett also delivers a noteworthy performance as Betty Shabazz, Malcolm's wife, who supports him through all his struggles and hardships. The chemistry between the two actors is strong, and their scenes together add depth and emotional resonance to the movie.
The film's production design is also noteworthy. The costumes, sets, and lighting all work together to create an immersive atmosphere that transports the viewer back to the 1950s and 1960s. The soundtrack is also compelling, featuring songs that reflect the political and social turmoil of the era.
In summary, Malcolm X is a powerful and moving biographical drama that chronicles the life of one of the most important and controversial figures in American history. The film does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the man and his struggles, showing his evolution from a militant separatist to a more enlightened human rights leader. Denzel Washington's portrayal of Malcolm X is exceptional, and the film's production design and soundtrack further enhance the viewing experience. Overall, this movie is a must-see for anyone interested in civil rights, black history, or the life of Malcolm X.
Malcolm X is a 1992 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 73.