Malcolm X (1992)
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. (imdb)
Cast and Information
Directed By: Spike Lee
Written By: Spike Lee, Alex Haley, Arnold Perl, Malcolm X
Starring: Christopher Plummer, Spike Lee, Giancarlo Esposito, Angela Bassett, Denzel Washington, Delroy Lindo, Kate Vernon, Lonette McKee, Al Freeman Jr., Albert Hall, Theresa Randle, Tommy Hollis
Genres: Drama, History, Biography
Country: USA
Where to Stream
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Malcolm X belongs to 52 collections
1. New York Times' The Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made (collaborative: moderated by theficionado - 31 stars)
2. National Film Registry (collaborative: moderated by PeaceAnarchy - 30 stars)
3. Netflix Instant (collaborative: moderated by somnivore - 29 stars)
4. Left-wing politics (collaborative: moderated by djross - 27 stars)
5. They Shoot Pictures 1,000 Greatest Films (2014 revision) (collaborative: moderated by Jehan - 27 stars)
6. 100 Movies to See Before You Die: The Modern Classics (collaborative - 22 stars)
7. Academy Award - Oscar - ALL Best Picture, Directing, Acting & Screenplay Nominees (collaborative - 22 stars)
8. Over 3 Hours Long (collaborative: moderated by djross - 19 stars)
9. They Shoot Pictures' Recommended Viewing (collaborative: moderated by Cinephile - 19 stars)
10. Films available in HD (collaborative: moderated by kubricksucks - 13 stars)
11. International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers (collaborative: moderated by PeaceAnarchy - 11 stars)
12. Cinema Discusso Yearly Consensus (2008) (public: PeaceAnarchy - 10 stars)
13. Slate's 50 Other Best Films of the 1990s (public: TychoCelchuu - 9 stars)
14. Epic (collaborative - 8 stars)
15. Biographical (collaborative: moderated by iconogassed - 7 stars)
16. Black Cinema (collaborative: moderated by Pickpocket - 7 stars)
17. David Thomson's 1000 Films (collaborative: moderated by MMAlpha - 7 stars)
18. Best by different standards (public: sesito71 - 6 stars)
19. Art of Manliness 100 Must See Movies for Men (collaborative - 5 stars)
20. Top 3000 movies with the most votes on IMDb (public: fanfic - 5 stars)
21. American racial politics (collaborative: moderated by djross - 4 stars)
22. Movies with Black leads (collaborative: moderated by PerryStroika - 3 stars)
23. African-American protagonist (collaborative: moderated by Moribunny - 3 stars)
24. Terrific 'Dialogue-Heavy' Films (public: nicolino - 3 stars)
25. Character name in title (collaborative: moderated by Pickpocket - 2 stars)
26. Newsweek's Top 100 Books: The Film Adaptations (collaborative: moderated by CCLZA - 2 stars)
27. The Next Picture Show Podcast (collaborative: moderated by trippingly - 2 stars)
28. Roger Ebert's Top 10 Films of 1992 (collaborative - 1 star)
29. Sight and Sound 2002 (Single Vote) (collaborative: moderated by PeaceAnarchy - 1 star)
30. They Shoot Pics (TSPDT) 2014 new additions (collaborative: moderated by avgcrtckr - 1 star)
31. American Apartheid - Slavery, Civil Rights, and the Treatment of African-Americans (collaborative: moderated by amazedemon - 1 star)
32. African-American director (collaborative: moderated by djross - 1 star)
33. toucé (public: rnest - 1 star)
34. My Top 100 (collaborative: moderated by MartinTeller)
35. Slate: The Black Film Canon (collaborative: moderated by trippingly)
36. Historical Figures (collaborative: moderated by comepelicula)
37. 1992 Wide Releases (collaborative: moderated by Roman_Herbom)
38. NAACP Image Award Nominees and Winners (collaborative: moderated by Roman_Herbom)
39. African American Cinema (collaborative: moderated by PerryStroika)
40. Filmspotting Ratings Project: Week 21 (public: PeaceAnarchy)
41. 1992: Year in Review (public: polanski28)
42. Movies I Own (public: Farzan)
43. 90lar (public: Ozancan)
44. My Movie Collection (public: elhenzo)
45. Black Men Can't Jump in Hollywood Podcast (public: TychoCelchuu)
46. Arr (public: rnest)
47. 100 (public: ehk2)
48. time was (public: rnest)
49. Films Dunstan Owns (public: Dunstan-xxx)
50. I read the book (public: MzeeShikamu)
51. seen in 2021 (public: sproost)
52. Top 100 (public: juntakinte99)
Browse the full list of collections
| Stars | User | Rating | |
| 5 |  |
juntakinte99 | 91 85th |
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Spike's love of classic cinema comes across in this epic biopic influenced by Gandhi & Lawrence of Arabia. From the former he borrows a hero battling an oppressive caste system. From the latter he shows us an eye-opening experience that forces a man to question his own ethical code. It also works as a picture! The best movie star of the time gives an awe-inspiring performance. And Al Freeman is a wonderful villain who tempts a lead with an offer the audience understands. Inspiring & educational.
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| 4 |  |
MartinTeller | 93 97th |
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Stunning work. Most biopics tend to feel like a greatest hits parade of anecdotes, but Lee describes X's life as a true journey of discovery: emotional, political and spiritual. Only in the final minutes does the film come dangerously close to hagiography. Needless to say, Washington is magnificent, the man has a commanding screen presence like few others. Most importantly, I found the narrative exceedingly compelling, and I was never bored. Very engrossing film with terrific camerawork.
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| 4 |  |
Jeb | 90 79th |
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Denzel Washington gives his most irresistibly transcendent and opulent yet committed and dedicated role ever as activist Malcolm X, while Lee himself does a very golden and dexterous job behind the appartus camera. One of the most direputably opprobious and lurid biopics ever, and also one Lee's best by far.
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| 3 |  |
XakkMaster | 95 96th |
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One of the greatest biopics due to the powerhouse performance of Denzel Washington; he embodies the man he is portraying in every sense of the word. Spike Lee's direction is dazzling, balanced and fair. Though the modern day ending is a little heavy-handed, it is not a disservice to the rest of the film. Malcolm's experiences and subsequent transformations are fully realized and Lee pulls no punches in recognizing both his resolute strengths and fatal flaws. Necessary viewing for all Americans.
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| 2 |  |
twincinema | 90 92nd |
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If you're going to do a biopic, may as well try to stretch the film's runtime. This fit so much stuff in here, and is a complicated portrayal of the man. Plus, it's Denzel for over three hours. What more do you need?
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| 2 |  |
Bojangles | 95 99th |
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It's incredibly powerful to see a naturally bright young man, held down by labeling and turned into a scoundrel, rise back up and become a man of purpose. Spike Lee was on his game here.
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| 2 |  |
TedDedon | 95 94th |
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Brilliant performance from Denzel Washington portraying one of the most brilliant men in American history. This outstanding biopic ages gracefully and speaks to the magnitude of social woes still facing this country. It is a testament not only to the great talent of Spike Lee, but a monument for future generations to remember the great Malcolm X. Indeed, this film is a worthy addition to any library and a must-see for anyone interested in American history, culture, or cinema.
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| 2 |  |
Drevenant | 91 82nd |
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The only bad reviews seem to come from people who didn't finish the biopic. Why rate a movie you've never seen? Go fuck yourselves.
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| 2 |  |
Seethruskin | 6 95th |
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A sprawling epic that Spike Lee directs perfectly. His shot construction is great. Some of his best work (DTRT might be slightly better). The staging of the scene where Malcolm is shot seems so loose but is just expertly crafted. And of course you have to say something about Denzel here. One of the greatest performances I've ever seen.
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| 2 |  |
mattorama12 | 80 89th |
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Denzel couldn't have done better here. Malcolm X is one of the more fascinating figures in modern American history and this biopic does him more than justice.
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| 2 |  |
Jasongirl67 | 100 94th |
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Denzel Washington's finest performance to date Powerful, Moving, Epic Film !
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| 1 | svicciarelli | 99 98th |
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Compelling, brilliant biography. Required viewing.
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| 1 |  |
leshii | 94 95th |
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It's a little too long, but Malcolm X is one of those movies that sticks with you forever, even if you don't agree with his philosophy.
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| 1 |  |
djross | 50 43rd |
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Like most biopics, aims to tell too much story, the price of which is superficiality of treatment. Despite a lot of dumbing down, the filmmakers still try to introduce a bit of complexity, but seem unsure of their view of the figure they are portraying. Crane shots indicate a wish for grandeur, but this director seemingly cannot avoid clunkiness. For my money, a more focused, thoughtful and intimate film on Little's prison transformation could be very interesting, but who's capable of making it?
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| 1 |  |
Dorkovsky | 8 90th |
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kill whitey
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| 1 |  |
Kavu | 82 76th |
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Washington is pretty good in the lead role but Spike Lee's directing is pure gold. The movie is worthy of the man.
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| 1 |  |
lachapelle | 95 96th |
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Look, I don't like Spike Lee's politics. But this film is a masterpiece and should be required viewing. This movie shows the growth of Malcom X from an activist to a radical to a man of peace. Denzel Washington's portrail shows so much power, it was incredible. This is Spike Lee's best work.
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| 1 |  |
lrampartl | 90 93rd |
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Tremendous. Plus, Peter Boyle doesn't yell or anything.
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| 1 |  |
TheDiceman | 80 95th |
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Denzel washington is outstanding in this film.Brilliant.
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| 1 |  |
Derekstar | 40 19th |
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Spike Lee really annoys me. What the fuck was he doing for the first hour of the movie? What was that? New York in the 1940s via Musical Theater? Horrible costumes, dancing, looking right into the camera, "daddy-o" flying left and right, unnecessary first person narration. The worst. Blasphemy, but I find Do The Right Thing un-watchable for similar reasons. Also, the ending had me covering my face in embarrassment. Nelson Mandela directly addressing the audience. Ugh.
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| 1 |  |
PeaceAnarchy | 87 87th |
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It's long, I'm not sure I agree with all the directorial choices and the ending is overblown. And still it's an amazing film with an astounding performance from Washington. I was really impressed with how smooth the pacing was for the length, building up the character well and creating very compelling mini-narratives. Despite my issues with some of Lee's choices, and Malcolm X's, he does a great job of presenting genuine perspectives about issues that still linger and are worth thinking about.
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| 1 |  |
evrana | 76 62nd |
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It is my favourite biopic up to now, as it sweeps through the whole life of a man without pulling any punches. Also, as someone who was born in a Muslim country, The Nation of Islam's take on Islam was very interesting for me. But the way it turns into a machine of corruption was all too familiar. How good D. Washington was in his role was evident when they started to show real life footages.
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| 1 | ThaneOfFife | 100 95th |
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Fantastic movie in every sense of the word. Spike is one of my favorite directors.
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| 1 |  |
Suture Self | 8 81st |
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From what I've seen, easily Denzel Washington's best role. Gets off on unsure footing, has a few dead areas, but mostly hits cruising altitude somewhere past the halfway point - the scenes with the speeches are generally the highlight. An unfortunate shift towards hagiography during the final moments knocks it back down a little. Still, Spike Lee did a solid job.
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| 1 | scurry | 80 95th |
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My favorite Spike Lee film and my favorite Denzel film.
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| 1 |  |
Barthalen | 76 70th |
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For the first half, I wasn't really feeling it. The characters, style of filming, editing; it failed to really engage me. But the second half definitely improved things, including stylistic touches and presenting the material in a much more interesting way. Denzel carries the film wonderfully. Still, it's a long-ass ride to the finish.
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| 1 |  |
Optimus_mike | 85 80th |
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Excellent.
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| 1 |  |
clayj41 | 86 92nd |
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While both fought for Civil Rights, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were polar opposites as far as methodology is concerned. While many people may aspire to be like King, the inclination for most would be to pursue justice in a manner similar to Malcolm X...by seizing it! Washington gives his best peformance (far superior to Training Day) and was robbed of an Oscar.
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| 1 | tef | 85 75th |
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The honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches us that ALL white men are devils. And it's so true.
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| 1 |  |
omgfridge | 8 80th |
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One of Spike Lee's best.
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| 1 |  |
Mifune | 90 83rd |
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a very objective look on Malcolm X
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| 1 | Jazzaloha | 63 39th |
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I really liked Malcolm X's autobiography, and I think that's why this film disappointed me. OK, perhaps that's not fair, but there it is.
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| 1 |  |
Parallax | 90 95th |
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A beautiful, moving, necessary picture of a man that's so often demonized and pitted against the philosophies of MLK. Lee's film is still potent, especially now, and every scene is so full of life and energy that the running time never drags the film down. It's a spiritual movement that embraces Malcolm X as both a man and something more.
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| 1 |  |
Syntheseizur | 82 70th |
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The first section is tonally at odds with the rest of the film (albeit purposefully), but quick editing keeps the pace up. The film definitely falls into some typical biopic trenches, but it's remarkably focused on showing Malcolm as a man with growth. Denzel has never been more impressive, and he absolutely carries the film on his back, but it's a very good biopic regardless.
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| 1 |  |
snallygaster | 72 80th |
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Doesn't completely avoid the typical problems that make most biopics such a drag (EG: Malcolm's prison conversion is little more than a lengthy exposition by an assigned father figure about what his beliefs should be). Still, this tracks the development of its subject better than the vast majority of the genre and maintains a good pace despite a nearly 3.5 hour runtime. Lee's visual style is the icing on the cake and elevates it even further.
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| 1 |  |
stevekimes | 96 97th |
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The best biopic I have ever seen. This is the role Denzel Washington was made for. Brilliant, captivating, powerful.
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| 1 | damil | 75 81st |
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I've never known much about Malcolm X, so this was pretty interesting. It seemed like a pretty fair portrayal of him. That being said, it did get very heavy-handed and preachy at the end, but I did expect that from Lee. I wasn't convinced by his direction, I gotta say. It felt a bit contrived and even pandering, at times. Washington was good, but not phenomenal, like so many claim. Still, I enjoyed the film and I was never bored, which is impressive considering the more-than-3-hour running time.
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| 1 |  |
Bagger | 77 71st |
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I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would. Denzel Washington turns Malcolm X intro a man you may not have much love for, but by the end of this movie you will feel like you understand him, for better or worse.
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| 1 | braddad68 | 100 97th |
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Spike Lee is a great filmmaker. Denzel Washington delivered a phenomenal performance. The movie not only tells the story of Malcolm X, but also the history of the Nation of Islam and the history of blacks in America. Very impressive!
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| 1 | myfavchords | 82 83rd |
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Denzel Washington is outstanding in the lead role in the this film. His character changes a lot over the course of the movie and Washington is excellent the entire way. His performance holds the entire film together. Spike Lee does an excellent job at bringing the Malcolm X story to life.
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| 1 |  |
hsncrspywl | 95 95th |
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There's a lot I could say about a film that attempts to squeeze an incredibly interesting person's life in to a mere 3 hours of screen time but I think I need to focus on Denzel Washington. An excellent performance by any metric, the film is obviously anchored by his work and his ability is put to good use. Excellent editing and camerawork too. If anything I wish there was more focus on Malcolm's relationship with Betty but I can't pick anything to cut out to make room. An excellent biopic.
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| 1 |  |
disconnected | 80 78th |
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Exhilarating, important filmmaking. Some scenes don't entirely work, but mostly it's Lee at his best.
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| 1 |  |
lex | 95 91st |
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Spike Lee has crafted a truly masterful biopic with enough of his own unique visual style as an independent filmmaker to elevate this film past any of its standard biopic conventions highlighted by Denzel's perfect portrayal of a human being and martyred legend. Through its epic running time the film remains very entertaining as Malcolm's life includes numerous different and colorfully captured key phases that Lee handles with care and passion.
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| 1 | Colten97 | 100 88th |
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It's a bold portrait, and it's a great movie that isn't afraid of looking at the issues head on, and attacking them without hesitation. Very much like it's protagonist.
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| 1 |  |
JSchlansky | 83 83rd |
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Watched in three sittings
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| 1 |  |
Yiannos | 75 84th |
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Epic biopic that portrays a complex vision of a fascinatingly contradictory man, Lee's most ambitious film zeroes in on 3 main phases of Malcolm's life: his early criminal years, his prison years (where he converted to Islam) and his rise to prominence as a distinguished and fearsome spokesman for the Nation of Islam. The sprawl of the project is impressive, and Denzel Washington's performance captures Malcolm's passionate gift for oratory and his intense physical magnetism.
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| 1 |  |
Boxcars | 9 89th |
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Scarcely subtle and definitely long-winded, "Malcolm X" is nonetheless a powerful depiction of the late eponymous civil rights hero that's made all the more effective thanks to an outstanding performance by Denzel Washington.
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| 1 |  |
jacobclark12 | 91 88th |
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In light of recent events, Spike Lee's biopic about Malcolm X rings much different. It becomes clear even in the opening minutes that Malcolm's ideals held later in life still have not been realized, but this film seeks to tear down the false image held in the minds of many Americans in an effort to portray Malcolm as a man who changed many times throughout his life and whose final stances were much more in concert with the mainstream civil rights movement than some might think.
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| 1 |  |
peyrin | 90 96th |
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The vibrant colors of Do the Right Thing, the melancholy coolness of Mo' Better Blues, even the intimate closeup shots of She's Gotta Have It all come together for what can only be called Spike Lee's opus. The intricately woven match cuts in the montages are some of the most powerful I've ever seen.
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| 1 | milkacow | 95 86th |
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Malcolm rest in peace brother
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| Average Percentile 64.92% from 2527 Ratings |  |