Malcolm X Review for Blu-Ray Elite!!!

Being a part of the Blu-Ray Elite program for Warner Bros. has really given me a wonderful opportunity to view films that I have never seen before, especially powerful films from years ago. The next film I was sent, and recently watched was director, Spike Lee’s drama, Malcolm X. The film is based off the life and times of famed civil rights activist, Malcolm X. The film stars two-time Academy Award winner, Denzel Washington in the title role. Lee chronicled X’s life from his childhood up until his untimely death.

Washington delivered a powerful, mesmerizing performance as the controversial leader. He was strong, versatile, and truly engulfed himself into the character. Academy award nominee, Angela Bassett was beautiful, passionate and filled with emotion. Her performance as Betty X was remarkable, the ending scene where she is crying over his dead body, is heartbreaking. She encapsulated a solid, inspiring woman, mother and wife through her portrayal.

Malcolm X was a good film, but it was a bit too long for me. I felt as though a good portion of the film could have been eliminated. There are some scenes where he is dancing in the beginning with a black woman and then a white woman that was unnecessary and then certain scenes just dragged on. The film is rather slow, and not much action occurs until well into the second half of the film. But, when the pivotal moments in the film occurs, Lee displays them beautifully and perfectly. There is a scene where a fellow ‘brother’ was beat up by white police officers and Malcolm rallies up hundreds of people to stand outside the police station until their friend is rushed to the hospital and receives the proper care he deserves.  That scene will deliver goose bumps and excitement through any audience member. It’s powerful, uplifting and an essential scene in the film, and in Malcolm X’s life. Another truly incredible scene that Lee shoots nicely, is X’s assassination. X gets up to speak to a room of people, including his wife and daughters until chaos ensues and he is brutally shot right in front of his own family. This scene is heart wrenching, devastating and sickening to watch especially knowing it occurred in real life. The shot of Bassett sobbing, and holding his head will bring anyone to tears. She loved him, she cared for him, she believed in his work, in his beliefs, and in him and to watch her heart break over losing him is tragic and beyond devastating.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a powerful, inspiring film filled with real historical facts and encouraging moments, check out Malcolm X. The film is full of awe-inspiring scenes and the thought that no matter whom you are, where you come from, and what you do, if you put your mind to it, you can become whatever you wish and essentially, change the world.