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Malcolm X

Play trailer Poster for Malcolm X PG-13 1992 3h 21m Biography History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 83 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
A tribute to the controversial black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation. He hit bottom during his imprisonment in the '50s, he became a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of self-determination and racial pride.
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Malcolm X

Malcolm X

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Critics Consensus

Anchored by a powerful performance from Denzel Washington, Spike Lee's biopic of legendary civil rights leader Malcolm X brings his autobiography to life with an epic sweep and a nuanced message.

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Critics Reviews

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Lynden Barber Sydney Morning Herald 12/14/2023
Unusually rich, absorbing and often brilliant film-making, an epic deserving of the description. But that doesn't stop it from being worryingly ambiguous. Go to Full Review
Neil Jillett The Age (Australia) 12/14/2023
The film has no psychological depth and not much sense of history. It takes a purely surface view of people and events. Go to Full Review
Bob Longino Atlanta Journal-Constitution 10/09/2023
A-
The movie is long -- 202 minutes -- but Lee earns every tick of the clock, illuminating the many developmental moments in Malcolm X’s personality. Go to Full Review
Clotilde Chinnici The People's Movies Aug 19
4/5
Ultimately, it is safe to say that Malcolm X is one of Spike Lee’s best films, one that has established him as one of the greatest American directors working today. Go to Full Review
Julian Singleton Cinapse Jul 12
Malcolm X deftly [navigates] that wide gulf between personal identity and public image, providing illumination, criticism, and commemoration in equal measure. Go to Full Review
KT Mahe For Your Reference Podcast Feb 12
5/5
Spike Lee's discerning vision & Denzel Washington's boundless performance results in a cinematic multifaceted reflection of a public figure and an open dialogue of the world, how it has been built, who benefits and those that are left with work to do. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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laura Feb 27 every preconception i had about this movie was that it was a masterpiece, and still i ended up walking out of the theater astounded and lost for words. See more Tyler S @tylerking24 17h Didn't really know anything about Malcolm X, and I thought this was a pretty interesting and solid biopic of the activist. See more Dixie M. @DMDarne123 Nov 23 Impactful, powerful and masterful movie of cinema, art and a true story I love everything about it to me it speaks the truth and meaning. See more Alec S. @TheDudeHere Oct 17 You can tell Spike Lee literally went full on GOD mode to make this epic biographical masterpiece happen. See more Malcolm W Aug 23 A masterfully executed film that handles controversial subject matter. One of the few biographical pictures that does such a complex human being as Malcolm X justice. See more Stephen C @bob25009 Aug 13 Based on a real story in 3 hours and 21 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $47,100,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dubbed and subtitled in worldwide studios!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Read all reviews
Malcolm X

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Movie Info

Synopsis A tribute to the controversial black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation. He hit bottom during his imprisonment in the '50s, he became a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of self-determination and racial pride.
Director
Spike Lee
Producer
Spike Lee, Marvin Worth
Screenwriter
Alex Haley, Malcolm X, Arnold Perl, Spike Lee
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
JVC Entertainment, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, Largo International N.V.
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Biography, History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 18, 1992, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 25, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$47.1M
Runtime
3h 21m
Sound Mix
Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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