Biographical epic of the controversial and influential Black Nationalist leader, from his early life and career as a small-time gangster, to his ministry as a member of the Nation of Islam.

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Writers:

(book), (book) | 2 more credits »
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2,891 ( 302)
Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 18 wins & 14 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Tommy Hollis ...
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Sidney
Jean-Claude La Marre ...
Benjamin 2X (as Jean LaMarre)
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Pete
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Sammy
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Storyline

Biograpical epic of Malcolm X, the legendary African American leader. Born Malcolm Little, his father (a Garveyite Baptist minister) was killed by the Ku Klux Klan. Malcolm 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 and changes his name to El-Hajj Malik Al-Shabazz. He is assassinated on February 21, 1965 and dies a Muslim martyr. Written by Anonymous

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for a scene of violence, and for drugs and some language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

18 November 1992 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Malkolm Iks  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$33,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$48,169,908 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(35 mm prints)| (70 mm prints)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Tracee Ellis Ross auditioned for a role in this film but never landed a part. However, the experience was positive enough to prompt her to change her major to Theater at Brown University. See more »

Goofs

When Malcolm and Sophia are at the jazz club, a vocalist and a trumpet soloist are playing. The trumpeter plays a Monette trumpet, which was first available in 1983. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Announcer: In the name of Allah the merciful, all praises due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The one God to whom praise is due forever. The one who came to us in the person of Master Fard Muhammad and raised up the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Amen.
[pause]
Announcer: Asalaam-alaikum!
Crowd: Alaikum-salaam!
Announcer: How do you feel?
Crowd: Good!
Announcer: Who do we want to hear?
Crowd: Malcolm X!
Announcer: Are we gonna bring him on? Yes, we gonna bring him on. Well let us hear from our minister, Minister Malcolm X. Let us bring him on with a round of ...
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Crazy Credits

After the Thank Allah seperate special thanks, there is another one that says: "Thank Jesus for Aretha Franklin and Arrested Devleopment." See more »

Connections

Referenced in Head of State (2003) See more »

Soundtracks

Azure
Written by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills
Performed by Ella Fitzgerald
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Spike Lee's best movie ever
26 October 2005 | by (Portland, Oregon, USA) – See all my reviews

Reaching his apex of greatness, Spike Lee created a perfect biography of the Black Nationalist leader. In the title role, Denzel Washington literally becomes the character. From the opening, when he accurately accuses the white man of all the injustices that the white man has perpetrated, to his conversion to Islam (and rejection of his slave surname), to his eventual assassination, the movie is top-notch in every respect.

Having read Malcolm X's autobiography, I can affirm that the movie followed it very closely. Reading his autobiography will actually help you understand him even further. As will his indication that African-Americans bled for the white man in Korea, Japan, Italy, etc., so why shouldn't they bleed for their freedom at home? Anyway, "Malcolm X" is a perfect movie in every way.


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