Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 31 Ratings

  • Starring: Angela Bassett, Denzel Washington
  • Summary: Spike Lee directs Denzel Washington in the role of African-American leader Malcolm X in this epic biographical drama.







Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. 100
    The film is inspirational and educational - and it is also entertaining, as movies must be before they can be anything else.
  2. Mr. Lee means for Malcolm X to be an epic, and it is in its concerns and its physical scope. In Denzel Washington it also has a fine actor who does for Malcolm X what Ben Kingsley did for “Gandhi.” [18 November 1992]
  3. Reviewed by: Staff(not credited)
    80
    Lee's biography of the slain civil rights leader treats Malcolm, not as a political rallying point, but as a fully rounded individual whose life defies reduction to symbolic status.
  4. Reviewed by: Staff(not credited)
    60
    The picture comes up short in several departments, notably in pacing and in giving a strong sense of why this man became such a legend.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Marko
    10
    Denzel Washington 'became' Malcolm X. It is still eerie and brilliant today. The film gives rare insight into Malcolm's 'anger' and life in America in the 40's-60's. Expand
  2. In Spike Lee's epic tale of legendary civil rights leader Malcolm X, he successfully creates one of the most provocative, disturbing, but enlightening biographical dramas I've ever gotten the chance to watch. A film that is not only a way for African-Americans everywhere to rightfully embrace their heritage, but a film that gives people of all creeds, races, and ethnicities a chance to realize that we can live in perpetual harmony with one another. The movie is anchored by arguably one of the most moving, dynamic, and emotional biographical performances thus far - Denzel Washington's Malcolm X. Washington gives such a diverse and vivid portrayal of the man. From his troubling days as a misunderstood youth, to his successful moments as a rising voice within the Nation of Islam, to his final days as an enlightened, reformed human being, Washington depicts every moment to a sharp and polished degree. Every technical aspect of the movie is executed to a near perfect degree. Whether it's the camerawork, the lighting, the sets, or the score, Spike Lee successfully manages to use every one of the aforementioned factors to add to the film's thick mood. "Malcolm X" is a drama that is long, yes, but it is necessary for everyone to see. For the rise and fall of this young man is not only complex and tragic, but it's unbelievably inspiring. Expand
  3. 9
    Spike Lee has brought one of the best biopics in american history with a performance from Washington that brings out the angry intensity his controversial character was known for. Expand
  4. SeamusS.
    7
    Compelling and mostly entertaining. A good job.

See all 11 User Reviews

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