Nov. 18, 1992|United States | Japan|202 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Crime;Drama;History;Kids;Reality
Description: Malcolm X, released in 1992, is a biographical film that tells the story of Malcolm Little, who later becomes Malcolm X. Born into a poor family in rural Michigan, Malcolm faces early hardships. His father, an African-American activist, is killed by the Black Legion, and the death is ruled a suicide, leaving the family without compensation. His mother’s mental health declines, leading to her hospitalization, and Malcolm and his siblings are placed in foster care. Despite excelling in school and aspiring to be a lawyer, Malcolm is discouraged by his teacher due to his race.
In 1944, as a teenager, Malcolm moves to Boston, where he meets Sophia, a white woman, and begins a relationship with her. During a trip to Harlem, he encounters Archie, a gangster involved in illegal activities. The two collaborate in a numbers racket, but a dispute over money leads to conflict, forcing Malcolm to return to Boston. There, he joins Sophia, his friend Shorty, and another woman named Peg in committing robberies. By 1946, the group is arrested; the women receive lighter sentences, while Malcolm and Shorty are sentenced to 8–10 years in prison.
While incarcerated, Malcolm meets Baines, a member of the Nation of Islam, who introduces him to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm becomes deeply interested in the Muslim faith and develops resentment toward white people for their historical mistreatment of Black individuals. Paroled in 1952 after six years, Malcolm travels to Chicago to meet Elijah Muhammad, who instructs him to replace his surname “Little” with “X,” symbolizing the loss of his African heritage. This marks the beginning of his transformation into Malcolm X, a prominent civil rights leader.
Cast director: Spike Lee
Cast actor: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee, Theresa Randle, Kate Vernon, Lonette McKee, Tommy Hollis
Original name: Malcolm X