Profound Film

Rating: Null/10 (19 March 2002)

By far, in all of movie history, this ranks among the top. I first saw this film in the theater in 1992. However, it did not have a major affect on me until years later when I watched it again at home. Only then did I realize exactly what Mr. Lee was trying to achieve in this movie. Those who know little outside of media information about Malcolm X need to see this movie. It brings Malcolm X to light--by showing the audience a phenom, someone who finally understood his life. Someone who was never allowed to realize their full potential. There are many movies about this man but none portray him as he truly was. What I find most heartbreaking(but not surprising) however, is the total lack of media-praise for this movie. This film was not just for African Americans. This movie is about a part of American History. Here is why I can say this: I noticed when I was on my way out of the theater there were more whites present than there were blacks. Most of the whites were old enough to remember Malcolm X being alive. The look many had on their faces at the end of the film surprised me. I took note of a range of emotions; mostly sadness but best of all--enlightenment. It did my heart good to see this becuase the film accomplished exactly what it was supposed to. Not create more hate but to show one man's transition from being a victim of racial hatred to pro-actively findng a way to end it-- by creating an attitude for African Americans that up until that past few decades was not allowed: Self sufficiency, self pride, high standards of education, and love for ourselves. If there is ever any doubt in your mind that Malcolm X was not a thinker, philosopher, healer, and one of the greatest men that have ever lived, then please see this movie. I am only sorry that I never knew him personally. I am not sorry that someone took the time to introduce us via film.