Writer-director Spike Lee's epic portrayal of the life and times of the slain civil rights leader Malcolm X begins with the cross-cut imagery of the police beating of black motorist Rodney King juxtaposed with an American flag burning into the shape of the letter X. When the film's narrative begins moments later, it jumps back .. Read more
| Starring | Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr. |
|---|---|
| Director | Spike Lee |
| Genres | Drama |
loading...
Writer-director Spike Lee's epic portrayal of the life and times of the slain civil rights leader Malcolm X begins with the cross-cut imagery of the police beating of black motorist Rodney King juxtaposed with an American flag burning into the shape of the letter X. When the film's narrative begins moments later, it jumps back to World War II-era Boston, where Malcolm Little (Denzel Washington) is making his living as a hustler. The son of a Baptist preacher who was murdered by the Ku Klux Klan, Little was raised by foster parents after his mother was deemed clinically insane; as an adult, he turned to a life of crime, which leads to his imprisonment on burglary charges. In jail, Little receives epiphany in the form of an introduction to Islam; he is especially taken with the lessons of Elijah Mohammed, who comes to him in a vision. Adopting the name 'Malcolm X' as a rejection of the 'Little' surname (given his family by white slave owners), he meets the real Elijah Mohammed (Al Freeman, Jr.) upon exiting prison, and begins work as a spokesman for the Nation of Islam. Marriage to a Muslim nurse named Betty Shabazz (Angela Bassett) follows, after which X spearheads a well-attended march on a Harlem hospital housing a Muslim recovering from an episode of police brutality. The march's success helps elevate X to the position of Islam's national spokesperson. There is dissension in the ranks, however, and soon X is targeted for assassination by other Nation leaders; even Elijah Mohammed fears Malcolm's growing influence. After getting wind of the murder plot, X leaves the Nation of Islam, embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca that proves revelatory; renouncing his separatist beliefs, his oratories begin embracing all races and cultures. During a 1965 speech, Malcolm X is shot and killed, reportedly by Nation of Islam members.~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
| Starring | Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., Spike Lee, Delroy Lindo, Annie Corley |
|---|---|
| Director | Spike Lee |
| Studio | PATHE DISTRIBUTION |
| Run time | DVD: 3 hrs 13 mins |
| Certificate |  |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Hearing-impaired | English |
| Released | Production year: 1992 To Rent: DVD: not available |
"...Washington's great performance dominates....MALCOLM X conveys its subject's magnetism and lifelong evolution, while forever synergizing its lead performer and his role..." -- 4 out of 4 stars
- 11
- 2
spike lee at his best
if you like spike lee movies, youll love this. this film tells us about the life of malcom x, from when he was a street gangsta going to prison and converting ... read more »
[Highly rated reviewer]
- 0
- 1
Disappointingly dull
I have wanted to this movie for ages and was very disappointed, it was like watching paint dry and I had to force myself to watch it all. Talk about a slow ... read more »
- 0
- 2
Could have been better
This is a film much like its subject that improved and evolved over time. Malcolm X at 3 hours 13 minutes barely scratched the surface of perhaps the greatest ... read more »
- 0
- 0
great film
great film based on the life of malcom x... denzel is the perfect choice to play the great man that was malcom x...
the film is quite a long film so ... read more »
Cutting his teeth playing historical figures like activist Malcolm X and boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter, Denzel has now become almost synonymous with the great Hollywood thriller. Denzel has overcome perceived white audience hostility to interracial screen partnerships and become a true, and truly great, establishment figure. Revisit his best moments in our top 10. His Top 10 Films Glory (1989) The Edward Zwick (Defiance) directed film, Glory, is a dramatic account based on the Battle of... Read more
Want to watch something right now?
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | EULA | Affiliates | Jobs | Inside LOVEFiLM Blog | About Us | Contact Us
International sites UK DK DE SE NO
LOVEFiLM, the LOVEFiLM logo and all other LOVEFiLM product or service names are trade marks of LOVEFiLM International Ltd. or its affiliates.
© 2012 LOVEFiLM UK Ltd. or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
74% from 46 members
