Malcolm X (1992)

91% of critics liked it
(54 reviews)
89% of users liked it
(52,169 ratings)

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… More 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, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 3 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Spike Lee
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Nov 18, 1992 Wide
On DVD: Jan 18, 2000
Studio: Warner Bros.

Critic Reviews

Todd McCarthy, Variety
Spike Lee has made a disappointingly conventional and sluggish film in Malcolm X.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Benefits from a lively lead performance by the miscast Denzel Washington but doesn't come within light years of the book, one of the greatest American autobiographies.
David Ansen, Newsweek
Lee and company have performed a powerful service: they have brought Malcolm X very much to life again, both as man and myth.
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
Lee sketches Malcolm's life colorfully, if by the numbers. But he falls victim to the danger of movie biography: he elevates Malcolm's importance until the vital historical context is obscured.
Vincent Canby, New York Times
An ambitious, tough, seriously considered biographical film that, with honor, eludes easy characterization.
Rita Kempley, Washington Post
A spiritually enriching testament to the human capacity for change -- and surely Spike Lee's most universally appealing film.
Chris Cabin, Slant Magazine
Spike Lee's deeply felt landmark biopic of Malcolm X gets a handsome transfer from Warner Home Video with an excellent smattering of insightful extras.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
The perfect combination of epic and personal, intimate and spectacular.
Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media
Insightful and well-rounded portrait of Malcolm X.
Tom Hibbert, Empire Magazine
Lee's film suffers from message over substance and is slightly tedious as a result.
Jon Fortgang, Film4
Visually and dramatically, Lee pulls out all the stops, but it's Washington's performance that really energizes the film, and he's an exhilarating presence throughout.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Lamoclm X may seem conventional by Spike Lee's standards, but as a biopic of a controversial historical figure, it's superior to the nobility of spirit of a movie like Gandhi, for example, and Attenborough's high-mindedness.
Derek Adams, Time Out
It plays surprisingly safe as a solidly crafted trawl through the didactic/hagiographic conventions of the mainstream biopic.

Read all 13 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Matthew R

The best films to date from Spike Lee and one of Denzel Washington's best performances to date. And this is also one of the most snubbed films in the history of the Oscars, Washington's portrayal of Malcolm Little is far more prolific and memorable than Al Pacino's… More
The best films to date from Spike Lee and one of Denzel Washington's best performances to date. And this is also one of the most snubbed films in the history of the Oscars, Washington's portrayal of Malcolm Little is far more prolific and memorable than Al Pacino's performance in Scent of A Woman. Granted I love Pacino, but Washington was the far superior. Along with him, director Spike Lee was not even recognized for this epic biopic. Great setting, period dressing, cinematography, music compilation and original score, the overall cast and acting, this is a film that is in the forefront of all filmmaking, and should be noticed as such.
Jeff "

Before reviewing this film, I'll say this about Spike Lee, he is one of the most painful directors that I have ever seen in the cinematic medium. On the very rare occasion, he can turn out a good film. However Spike Lee has one trick up his sleeve and it's the race card, he… More
Before reviewing this film, I'll say this about Spike Lee, he is one of the most painful directors that I have ever seen in the cinematic medium. On the very rare occasion, he can turn out a good film. However Spike Lee has one trick up his sleeve and it's the race card, he uses for everyone of his films to the point that you can't even take the guy seriously. With the case of Malcolm X, he is suited for the job, but really, I think maybe Denzel Washington should have directed this as well as starred in it. What truly makes this film worth watching is Denzel Washington's performance as Malcolm X. He truly delivered something incredible on screen. However I also thought that the film felt too preachy and it started to sound like a Spike Lee rant after a while. As a person who's read Alex Haley's The Autobiography Of Malcolm X, I have to say that I much preferred the book to the film. I thought there was a lot more detail, and more interesting facts that Spike seem to leave out or twist to make his own point in telling Malcolm X's story. Personally I preferred the book over the film and though I thought Denzel Washington was great, I can't shake the feeling that this is just Spike Lee playing the race card to his own advantage in telling this historical story.
Curtis L

Man. If you can make it through this one, you get a prize.
Richard C

B+
Anthony L

A fair and balanced biopic of Malcolm X, brilliantly realised by Lee and fantastically portrayed by Washington, in his finest role to date.
Chris W

This film fits perfectly on a shelf next to other often acclaimed (and for good reasons) epic biopics such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gandhi. This film does a great job of not only showing the life and work of Malcolm X, but doing so in a way that makes it approachable for ALL viewers.… More
This film fits perfectly on a shelf next to other often acclaimed (and for good reasons) epic biopics such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gandhi. This film does a great job of not only showing the life and work of Malcolm X, but doing so in a way that makes it approachable for ALL viewers. This is not a "kill whitie" film, although some of that is present. It is very fair in its portrayal. Lee's direction is brilliant here, as are the performances (especially the Oscar-snubbed Denzel Washington in one of his absolute best performances). The musical score, cinematography, editing, and stylistic choices are all highlights as well. I can't think of any better way to cinematically depict the life of someone like Malcolm X other than the way he's been depicted here.
Tim S

An early riveting performance from Denzel Washington.
Sarah G

Director:Spike Lee Released: 1992 Stars: Angela Bassett, Denzel Washington, Albert Hallch and Al Freeman Jr. Genre: Drama, Biography Country: USA <a… More
Director:Spike Lee Released: 1992 Stars: Angela Bassett, Denzel Washington, Albert Hallch and Al Freeman Jr. Genre: Drama, Biography Country: USA <a href="http://s137.photobucket.com/albums/q202/sarah88_uk/?action=view¤t=_01-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q202/sarah88_uk/_01-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Biography of Malcolm X, the famous African American leader. Born Malcolm Little, his father (a minister) was killed by the Ku Klux Klan. He became a gangster, and while in jail discovered the Nation of Islam writings of Elijah Muhammad. He preaches the teachings when let out of jail, but later on goes on a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, there he converts to the original Islamic religion and becomes a Sunni Muslim. He changes his name to El-Hajj Malik Al-Shabazz and stops his anti-white teachings, as he realises the error of his mistakes. He is later on assasinated What started out as a very good biographical film that perhaps suffered from the legnthy time sudden;y became more half-way through. For a man I never knew much about the lenghty time told me more about him than lessons at school probably ever would....Brilliant More to follow...
Lenny M

Yes Yes Yes but get your hand out my pocket.
xGary X

I'm not the biggest fan of Denzel, but he is extremely convincing in this sweeping biopic of the black activist and political icon Malcolm X by Spike Lee. The man had a remarkable and fascinating life, born into a world of prejudice and violence and later seduced by a life of… More
I'm not the biggest fan of Denzel, but he is extremely convincing in this sweeping biopic of the black activist and political icon Malcolm X by Spike Lee. The man had a remarkable and fascinating life, born into a world of prejudice and violence and later seduced by a life of crime when he goes to the big city and encounters Delroy Lindo, a black man who commands power, and more importantly, respect. This heralds the most interesting part of the film when Malcolm is imprisoned for 10 years for burglary and encounters his mentor who teaches him his salvation in the form of Islam. This leads to his rebirth as civil rights activist, only to find disenchantment and then betrayal at the hands of those he trusted most. This biopic has everything; crime, gangsters, prison drama, politics (both religious and racial) and a lesson in history. I do not know enough about the man's real life to pass judgement on the film's accuracy, but I can only assume there is a certain amount of rose-tinting in evidence; he could almost be ordained to sainthood by the film's end. But it does hold an important underlying message; sometimes one can be seduced by the man who preaches the message, causing us to lose sight of the message itself. A lesson perhaps even more pertinent today (especially for his fellow Muslims) than it was then.
Dan S

A great tribute to an amazing man. Denzel is a one man show, and Lee's steady direction makes the story and characters all the more captivating.
Keysha H

Spike Lee and Denzel tackle this complicated tale. This film was amazing.
Al S

A masterpiece. The best biopic ever. Washington gives a truly phenominal and unforgettable perfromance. A great movie in every way. Spike Lee's finest achivement as a director. It truly stands the test of time. It lives up to everything it was supposed to.
Khris N

A good movie for black history buffs - Denzel did well - powerful stuff. Black history, violence and some good sotry telling by Spike Lee - worth it.
Dillon L

Spike Lee directing a film about Malcolm X with Denzel Washington starring - not surprising. It's really slow to start off, often including 'too much,' but it gets better. Well, it gets better aside from the lame and almost laughable ending. Kids shouting 'I am… More
Spike Lee directing a film about Malcolm X with Denzel Washington starring - not surprising. It's really slow to start off, often including 'too much,' but it gets better. Well, it gets better aside from the lame and almost laughable ending. Kids shouting 'I am Malcolm X'? Nelson Mandela? Seriously Spike?
Jason V

It is the end of Malcolm X which, like so many other films, feels hideously out of place when all is said and done. With Nelson Mandela and Ossie Davis providing the epilogue and eulogy, Malcolm X goes farther than it should in creating the character. But does that necessarily… More
It is the end of Malcolm X which, like so many other films, feels hideously out of place when all is said and done. With Nelson Mandela and Ossie Davis providing the epilogue and eulogy, Malcolm X goes farther than it should in creating the character. But does that necessarily destroy the movie? No. The lack of depth between Malcolm and wife Betty is a disadvantage, as is probing and explaining the wae between Malcolm and the Nation of Islam. However, it is Denzel Washington, portraying the titular figure from youth to middle age, who shines. Charismatic and stern at the same time, he is the epicenter of the film. A lesser actor would have made this a glorified History Channel film. Astute viewers of other Spike Lee films will notice some of the director's trademarks, especially in a scene near the finale (which also seems rushed, but no bother).
Deb S

This movie describes the life of Malcolm X from his childhood, his life of crime, prison, his release, his rise to fame and up to the threats he received and his assassination. Malcolm Little was a young man when his father was murdered by the KKK and he and his siblings were taken… More
This movie describes the life of Malcolm X from his childhood, his life of crime, prison, his release, his rise to fame and up to the threats he received and his assassination. Malcolm Little was a young man when his father was murdered by the KKK and he and his siblings were taken from their mother (who couldn't handle the stress and ended up in a mental institution); his siblings were split up by the State. As a young man he was a hustler/pimp/drug pusher/addict before getting imprisoned for his crimes. While there he learns the ways of Elijah Muhammad and coverts to Islam. He gets out of prison and becomes a spiritual leader becoming one of the most eloquent and powerful speakers that the world has ever known, and tackling white oppression head on. The tragedy that ultimately happens to him was heartbreaking because at that point he had reached a pinnacle of understanding and leadership qualities that could have changed the Black Muslim movement in a very positive way. Denzel Washington delivers an awesome performance and makes a charismatic leading man and it is difficult to imagine that anyone else could have done a better job with this role. It is an incredible performance, worthy of the Oscar. But no, he won that for playing a corrupt police officer in "Training Day," the logic simply escapes me. If it wasn't for his engaging and powerful performance then this film would be very bland for the majority. Spike Lee directed this movie as a tribute to a hero who transcended racism though enlightenment and moral superiority. It's beautifully made with top notch performances by the cast. This film will not only entertain you but educate you as well.
Mike

The Honorable Elijah Muhammad tells me to give this movie 4 stars.
Mike T

This fantastic biopic is a great demonstration of Washington's acting potential. It does come across as a tad drawn-out, but Lee's direction is strong and the story is compelling. Very precise filmmaking.
Brian R

"Anchored by a powerful performance from Denzel Washington, Spike Lee's biopic of the legendary civil rights leader brings his autobiography to life with an epic sweep and a nuanced message". I honestly believe this is the best film Spike Lee has directed since Do… More
"Anchored by a powerful performance from Denzel Washington, Spike Lee's biopic of the legendary civil rights leader brings his autobiography to life with an epic sweep and a nuanced message". I honestly believe this is the best film Spike Lee has directed since Do The Right Thing. "Malcolm X" is one of the great biographic pictures I have ever seen.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Denzel Washington as Malcolm X

            Spike Lee as Shorty

            Angela Bassett as Betty Shabazz

            Al Freeman Jr. as Elijah Muhammad

            Delroy Lindo as West Indian Archie

            Albert Hall as Baines

            Theresa Randle as Laura

            Kate Vernon as Sophia

            Lonette McKee as Louise Little

            Tommy Hollis as Earl Little

            Bobby Seale as 1st Speaker

            Al Sharpton as 2nd Speaker

            Christopher Plummer as Chaplain Gill

            Karen Allen as Miss Dunne

            Peter Boyle as Captain Green

            William Kunstler as Judge

            Ossie Davis as Eulogy Performer

            Robinson Frank Adu as Chuck

            Steve Aronson as Black Legion Leader

            Larry Attile as Guard Baines

            Benjamin Atwell as Philbert-Age 1

            Gregory Bargeman as Elijah Muhammad's FOI

            Marlaine Bass as Hilda-Age 8

            David Berman as JFK Reporter

            LaToyah Bigelow as Quibillah-Age 3

            Andre Blair as Fruits of Islam

            Yvette Brooks as Hooker

            Graham Brown as Dr. Payson

            Cheryl Burr as Roseland Dancer

            Gary L. Catus as Doctor

            Damon Chandler as Customer

            Jay Charbonneau as Cop at Audobon

            Larry Cherry as Prison Barber

            Monique Cintron as Hooker

            Natalie Clanton as Yvonne-Age 1

            Rony Clanton as Fruits of Islam

            Addison Cook as Prisoner

            Ralph Sr. Cooper as Radio Announcer

            Chelsea Counts as Yvonne - Age 6 Months

            Gerica Cox as Eva Marie

            Craig Wasson as TV Host

            Michael Cullen as Desk Sergeant

            Vincent D'Onofrio as Bill Newman

            Christian J. Dacosta as Passerby

            Simon Do-Ley as Son of Elijah Muhammad and Secretary Evelyn Williams

            Leslie Dockery as Roseland Dancer

            Raye Dowell as Sister Evelyn Williams

            Columbia DuBose as Nellie Connally

            Karen Duffy as Sophia's Friend

            O.L. Duke as Pete

            Abdul Salaam El Razaac as Fox

            Giancarlo Esposito as Thomas Hayer

            Jodie Farber as Jackie Kennedy

            Teresa Yvon Farley as Young Hooker

            William Fichtner as Cop at Harlem Station

            Danielle Fletcher as Attalah

            Cytia Fontenette as Hilda-Age 3

            Clebert Ford as Barber

            Frances Foster as Woman Outside Audubon Ballroom

            Arthur French as Pullman Porter

            James E. Gaines as Cholly

            Leland Gantt as Wilbur Kinley

            Kevan Gibbs as Malcolm's FOI

            Jessica Givens as Attalah

            Bill Goldberg as "John"

            Richard Gordon as Elijah Muhammad's FOI

            Dion Graham as Elijah Muhammad's FOI

            John Griesemer as Guard Wilkins

            Michael Guess as William X

            George Guidall as Mrs. Holway

            Matthew Scott Harris as Malcolm-Age 5

            Ed Herlihy as Joe Louis Announcer

            Abdul Kakeem Hijrah as Fruits of Islam

            Mike Hodge as Follower at Temple #7

            Terry Hodges as Malcolm's FOI

            Miki Howard as Billie Holiday

            Zakee Howze as young Malcolm

            Dana Hubbard as Malcolm's FOI

            Dyan Humes as Maid at Open Air Marker

            Fracaswell Hyman as Bartender

            Michael Imperioli as Reporter at Fire Bombing

            Kent Jackman as Man #2

            Javon Jackson as Tenor Saxophone Player

            James C. Lawrence as Tully

            Robert Jason as Elijah Muhammad's FOI

            Rion Johnson as Shoeshine Boy

            Judd Jones as Pullman Porter

            Oran "Juice" Jones as Hustler

            Tim Kelleher as Cop at Harlem Station

            Brendan Kelly as Guard Cone

            David Patrick Kelly as Mr. Ostrowski

            Renton Kirk as DJ at the Harlem "Y" Dance

            Jean Claude Lamarre as Benjamin 2X

            Terry Layman as CIA Agent

            Adam Le Fevre
            
            Pee Wee Love as Speedy

            Michael C. Mahon as Prisoner

            Nelson Mandela as Soweto Teacher

            Debi Mazar as Peg

            Larry McCoy as Sammy

            James McDaniel as Brother Earl

            Jasper McGruder as Hotel Clerk

            Jack McLaughlin as KKK Member

            Randy Means as Governor Connally

            Hazel Medina as Cashier Person

            George Lee Miles as Preacher

            Norma Miller as Roseland Dancer

            Aleta Mitchell as Sister Robin

            Billy Mitchell as Man #1

            Lex Monson as Pullman Porter

            Reggie Montgomery as Dick Jones

            Vincent Moscaritola as Prison Guard

            Zaahir Muhammad as Elijah Muhammad's FOI

            James Murtaugh as Cop at Harlem Station

            Mansoor Najeeullah as Elijah Muhammad's FOI

            Anthony Nocerino as TV Reporter

            John Ottavino as Blades

            Lauren Padick as Lisha

            Leonard Parker as Jason

            John Parks as Roseland Dancer

            Eric Payne as Malcolm's FOI

            Jonathan Peck as Phone Voice

            Joe Pentangelo as Mounted Police

            Marc Phillips as Photographer

            Delilah Picart as Crowd Member

            Wendell Pierce as Ben Thomas

            Fia Porter as Coed

            Steve Randazzo as TV Reporter

            Tommy Randle
            
            Steve Reed as John F. Kennedy

            John Reidy as Simmons

            David Reivers as Elijah Muhammad's FOI

            La Tanya Richardson as Lorraine

            Scot Anthony Robinson as Daniel

            Christopher Rubin as Sophia's Husband

            George Marshall Ruge as Secret Service Man

            Larry Rushing as Elijah Muhamad's FOI

            Richard Schiff as JFK Reporter

            TaiNesha Scott as Elijah Muhammad's Granddaughter

            Kristan Rai Segure as Saudi

            Joe Seneca as Toomer

            Dion Smack Jr. as Reginald-Age 2

            C.E. Smith as Fountain Waiter

            Darnell Smith as Elijah Muhammad's Grandson

            Jasmine Smith as Ilyasah-Age 2 and 3

            Kyle Smith (II) as Roderick

            Mary Alice Smith as School Teacher

            Roger Guenveur Smith as Rudy

            Valentino Smith as Wilfred-Age 4

            Erika Smith-Brown as Waitress

            Maurice Sneed as Cadillac

            Steve Stapenhorst as Reporter at Fire Bombing

            Phyllis Yvonne Stickney as Honey

            Shirley Stoler as Mrs. Swerlin

            Lee Summers as Elijah Muhammad's FOI

            Terry Sumter as CIA Agent

            James L. Swain as Conductor

            Wendy E. Taylor as Numbers Woman

            Cynthia Thomas as Shorty's Dance Partner

            David Thomas Jr. as Wilfred-Age 8

            Ernest Thomas as Sidney

            Leonard Thomas as Leon Davis

            Raymond Anthony Thomas as Crowd Member

            Nick Turturro as Boston Cop

            Showman Uneke as Hustler at Grand Central Station

            Byron Utley as Prisoner

            Kiki Della Vecchia as Teenage Whore

            Preston Vismale as Music Assistant

            Ali Abdul Wahbah as Malcolm's FOI

            Wyatt T. Walker as Hospital Salesperson

            Theara Ward as Movie Goer

            Lennis Washington as Mrs. Johnson

            Sharon Washington as Augusta

            Veronica Webb as Sister Lucille Rosary

            Charles Weldon as Follower at Temple #7

            Scott Whitehurst as Malcolm's FOI

            Curt Williams as Mr. Cooper

            Beatrice Winde as Elderly Woman

            Janet Zarish as TV Reporter

            Stewart J. Zully as TV Reporter

            Billy Anagnos
            
            Terence Blanchard as Trumpet Plyer

            Cliff Cudney as Limo Driver

            Martin Donovan as FBI Agent

            Don Hewitt Sr. as Black Legion Member

            Tim Hutchinson as Fruits of Islam

            Richard Owens as Trombone Player

            Kevin Rock as Elijah Muhammad's FOI

            Monty Ross as MC-Roseland

            John Sayles as FBI Agent

            Steve White as Brother Johnson

            George T. Odom as Barber

            Stephen James as TV Reporter

            Wendy King as Roseland Dancer

            Lizbeth MacKay as White Woman in Market

            Delphine T. Mantz
            
            Greta Martin as Roseland Dancer

            Frances Morgan as Roseland Dancer

            Rome Neal as Prisoner

            Lenore Pemberton as Hooker

            George Rafferty as Harrington

            Eartha Robinson as Roseland Dancer

            Grafton Trew as Barber

            Robi Reed
            
            Sonny Allen as Roseland Dancer

            Bahni Turpin as Followers at Temple Number 7

            Gareth Williams as JFK Reporter

            Annie Corley as TV Reporter

            Jake-Ann Jones
            
            Barbara Smith as Customer

            Keith Randolph Smith as Brother Gene

            Chuck Cooper as Customer

            Keith Lewis
            
            Ashanti
            
            James MacDonald as Lieutenant

            Walter Emanuel Jones as Barber's Customer

            Eddie Davis
            
            Peter Dunn as Philbert-Age 6

            Matt Dillon as DJ at the Harlem "Y" Dance

            Michael Ralph as Crowd Member

            Al Freeman
            
See full cast