Holy cow, what a good movie!

Rating: 9/10 (17 December 2019)

Malcolm X is a powerful, three-hour tribute to which the man movie names itself. This epic of a film guides its viewers through the evolution of Malcolm X's philosophy in each phase of his life.
Spike Lee could not have selected a better cast for this film. Denzel Washington delivers a performance full of heart and passion. Truly both Spike & Washington at the prime of their careers. There were times I was convinced I was watching the real Malcolm X many times in the film.
For a biopic, the plot will be straightforward. Yet, I found the dedication to each tiny detail in each era of Malcolm X's life was both painstaking and rewarding. The set designs, costumes, and music were all loyal to the sign of the times. The film also follows each stage of Malcolm X's philosophies without saying which is right or wrong. The film is well-rounded and makes its audience understand each decision made.
This movie is loyal to its source material and viewers can tell that Spike Lee did his research. It pushed boundaries as far as can be reasonably told in a three-hour movie. I also enjoyed the final montage as it showed Malcolm X's far-reaching impact. I was even surprised to see Nelson Mandela make a cameo in the film. You don't see that every day.
4.5/5. A loyal and timeless classic from Spike Lee. Stellar performances by Denzel Washington and the crew. Doubt any other biopic about Malcolm X could top this.