100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 30: Malcolm X

Director: Spike Lee

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 202 minutes

Year: 1992

Starring: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., Spike Lee, Delroy Linda, Kate Vernon, Lonette McKee, Tommy Hollis, James McDaniel, Ernest Thomas, Jean-Claude La Marre, Theresa Randle, O.L. Due, Larry McCoy

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

Review: “Malcolm X” is an impressive film, that tells the story of an extraordinary American. Malcolm X was, like Martin Luther King, a fighter for equal rights for African Americans. The difference was that Martin Luther King did this together with the white people, he didn’t want to use any violence. Malcolm X didn’t deny he would use violence if necessary. It’s clear director Spike Lee was an admirer of Malcolm X.

Spike Lee has made films about the position of the African American in the US before. Best known is “Do the Right Thing” from 1989. In “Malcolm X’’ he shows us again, but this time it’s a biography.

Denzel Washington is very convincing as Malcolm X. He is the star of the film and has no trouble carrying this movie. The length of the movie is a problem though. It’s over 3 hours long and that is way too long for a film with only dialogue and no action.

Today, “Malcolm X” is still relevant and topical. A very strong biopic.

Rating: 4/ 5