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 a... Read allBiographical 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 and his eventual assassination.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 and his eventual assassination.
- Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 19 wins & 24 nominations total
- Benjamin 2X
- (as Jean LaMarre)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe image of Denzel Washington holding the M1 Carbine and peering out the curtains is a direct visual recreation of an iconic photo that appeared in LIFE magazine.
- GoofsMalcolm watches television news footage of race riots, including the March 1965 attack on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama and the 1967 Newark, New Jersey Riots. Both incidents took place after Malcolm was assassinated in February 1965.
- Quotes
Malcolm X: We were discussing the disciples. What color were they?
Chaplain Gill: Well, I don't think we know that for certain.
Malcolm X: But they were Hebrews, were they not?
Chaplain Gill: That's right.
Malcolm X: As was Jesus. Jesus was also a Hebrew.
Chaplain Gill: Why don't you just ask your question.
Malcolm X: What color were the original Hebrews?
Chaplain Gill: I have told you - that we don't know that for certain.
Malcolm X: Then you can't believe for certain - that Jesus was white.
Chaplain Gill: Just - just a moment. Just a moment. God is white.
[pointing to a painting of a white Jesus hanging on the wall]
Chaplain Gill: Isn't it obvious?
Malcolm X: Well, that
[nodding to the painting]
Malcolm X: is obvious, but we don't know if it's obvious that God is white. The honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches us that Jesus did not have blond hair and blue eyes. The honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches us that the images of Jesus that are on prison walls and churches throughout the world are not historically correct; because, history teaches us that Jesus was born in a region where the people had color. There's proof in the very Bible that you've asked us to read in Revelations, first chapter, verses 14 and 15, that Jesus had hair like wool and feet the color of brass.
Chaplain Gill: Just - just what're you saying?
Malcolm X: l'm not saying anything. l'm proving to you that Jesus was *not*, and I quote one of my lndian brothers here, he was not a paleface. Amen.
- Crazy creditsAt the end of the credits the film is dedicated to Alex Haley, author of the book the movie is based on. There is also a picture of the book and a special note that says: "Read 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X'"
- ConnectionsEdited from JFK (1991)
- SoundtracksSomeday We'll All Be Free
Written by Donny Hathaway (as Donny E. Hathaway) and Edward U. Howard
Used by permission of WB Music Corp. and Kuumba Music Publishing Company
Produced by Arif Mardin
Performed by Aretha Franklin
Courtesy of Artista Records, Inc.
Based on the best-selling autobiography by Malcolm X and Alex Haley,and with spellbinding direction by Spike Lee,it traces the story of Malcolm himself,from his days as a hustler and drug runner and hitting rock bottom during his imprisonment in the 1950's,he became a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation Of Islam under the guidance of the honorable Elijah Muhammad. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of black nationalism,self-determination and racial pride that continues to the day and within a new generation whom for the first time has witnessed a masterpiece of cimematic work. This is marked by strong performances throughout with powerful direction by Spike Lee,cimematopgrapher Ernest Dickerson,and riveting breathtaking performances by Denzel Washington,Angela Bassett,and most notably from Al Freeman,Jr. as Elijah Muhammad. The real centerpiece of the film is from Denzel Washington himself,whose convincing performance in the title role brings this film alive. When this film came out,it only receive one Oscar nomination but however,the film garnered a lot of awards including the NAACP Image Film Award,The New York Film Critics Award for Best Actor,The Los Angeles Times Film Award for Best Director and Best Actor,and MTV Movie Awards for both Denzel Washington and Al Freeman,Jr.--all of this happened in 1992,when the film came out.
As far as the cameos go,this film had a lot of them in one picture including Black Panther Bobby Seale,Reverend Al Sharpton,The Honorable Nelson Mandela,Reverend Jesse Jackson,along with Hollywood walk-ons: Christopher Plummer,Karen Allen,Peter Boyle and Danny Glover,and Whoopi Goldberg.
Brilliant!-Five Stars
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- X
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $33,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $48,169,910
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $9,871,125
- Nov 22, 1992
- Gross worldwide
- $48,169,910
- Runtime3 hours 22 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1