Malcolm X

No words can do this masterpiece justice. This is such a grandiose film, a film that is simultaneously rich in its style and substance, a film that tells the tale of an icon of the civil rights movement by delving into that icon’s psyche and ideas rather than follow a typical biopic approach, a film that feels so much more powerful than a film ought to, it’s a work of art, a 3 hour long deep dive into the reality of America, the lies that America is built upon, and the truth that Malcolm X so greatly wanted to reveal. Even though this is a very long movie, it goes by insanely quickly and is worth every last second of one’s attention. The way in which the movie changes as Malcolm changes is amazing. From the beginning that showcases a young and naive Malcolm to the ending that includes a montage of black history, this film says so much, does so much, and is so finely crafted that it feels unreal, it’s a multi layered magnum opus, an artistic expression of black history that deserves to be celebrated and seen by every citizen of the world. It reveals the lies constructed by America in order to fuel division. I had always thought that MLK and Malcolm X were rivals, but that is but a lie cooked up by the United States Government in order to divide an already divided nation. The country was already black versus white during the 60s, but the government wanted to turn black people against themselves. In reality, MLK and Malcolm X were fighting for the same thing. Equality, equity, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. America was built on a basis of lies. It was built on the basis that its people should be as oblivious to the truth as possible. It was built on the principle that the political parties in charge are but a show, a demonstration for the masses to become more divided. This is not just any old biopic, no no no, this is a film that digs so much deeper than most other movies can even dream of. Spike Lee is one of the greatest directors. Denzel Washington is one of the greatest actors. Angela Bassett is one of the greatest actresses. They all deliver some of their finest work. Denzel was snubbed of an Oscar. Spike was too. But who cares about stupid awards. This movie is an achievement in and of itself. It will live on forever and so will Malcolm X. No other movie makes me feel quite the way this one does. It’s just so good.