Malcolm X

As the curtain rises on this powerful narrative, we are introduced to the fiery Malcolm X (Denzel Washington) as he delivers a scathing indictment of the systemic injustices faced by African Americans. His impassioned words are intercut with haunting footage of the Rodney King beating and an American flag reduced to ashes, symbolizing the smoldering embers of racial tension that would continue to fuel his crusade.

The story then shifts to the early years of World War II in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood, where a young Malcolm Little (no actor credited) is struggling to find his place. In a poignant scene, we see Malcolm, with the help of his friend Shorty (Spike Lee), undergo a torturous process to straighten his hair, a painful ritual aimed at making him more acceptable to white society. The transformation complete, Malcolm and Shorty take to the streets, dressed in bold "zoot" suits that exude confidence and defiance.

Through a series of flashbacks, we are given glimpses into Malcolm's troubled childhood. Born poor in rural Nebraska, he grew up surrounded by poverty and racism. His mother, Louise (Lonette McKee), was a woman of Caribbean descent who married his father, a local minister and activist, out of love rather than convenience. When his father was brutally murdered, allegedly at the hands of Ku Klux Klan riders, Malcolm's family was left destitute. The authorities would later falsify the cause of death, labeling it a suicide, leaving Malcolm's mother to face mental institutionization and her children to be taken in by the state.

As we follow Malcolm's journey, we see him blossom into an exceptional student, despite the discouragement of his racist teacher who tells him that being a lawyer is "not a practical career for a negro." Yet, it is this very same individual who would go on to become one of the most influential voices of the Civil Rights Movement.

As the narrative shifts to the present day of 1944, Malcolm and his friend Shorty, accompanied by their respective partners, make a lively entrance at a bustling jitterbug club. The air is electric with the rhythm of dancing feet as the quintet gets lost in the infectious beat. It's here that Malcolm catches the eye of Sophia (Kate Vernon), a stunning blonde woman who becomes utterly smitten with him. In stark contrast, Malcolm's black partner Laura (Theresa Randle) remains steadfastly devoted to her faith and has thus far resisted Malcolm's advances. As the evening wears on, Malcolm finds himself increasingly drawn to Sophia, ultimately making the fateful decision to abandon his relationship with Laura.

Malcolm's professional life takes a new turn when he lands a job with a local railroad company, leading him to Harlem in New York City. His arrival at a local watering hole is marked by an unexpected surprise: West Indian Archie (Delroy Lindo), a man of considerable influence and reputation for running illegal numbers games, doubles Malcolm's drink without warning. When another patron takes umbrage with Malcolm's attire and launches a verbal attack on his mother, Malcolm retaliates with a swift blow to the man's head, delivered via a liquor bottle. Archie recognizes Malcolm's unwavering bravery in the face of adversity and summons him to his table. Recognizing an opportunity for advancement, Malcolm accepts Archie's offer and soon finds himself running numbers alongside his new mentor.

As the night wears on, Malcolm, Sophia, and Archie engage in a spirited evening of drinking and snorting cocaine. During this revelry, Malcolm places a series of bets with Archie, only to have one of them hit the jackpot. However, when Archie denies Malcolm's claims and reminds him of his notorious reputation for never forgetting a number, Malcolm seizes the opportunity to sever ties with his former boss.

A short time later, Archie appears at a dinner club, hell-bent on settling scores with Malcolm. The latter narrowly escapes through the bathroom window, eventually making his way back to Boston, where he reconnects with Shorty. The two friends resolve to turn their attention to petty theft as a means of making ends meet. Their first significant partner in crime is Rudy (Roger Guenveur Smith), who regales them with tales of an elderly man in his care, rumored to possess both wealth and valuable possessions. When Rudy declares his intention to lead the group, Malcolm takes it upon himself to assert dominance, engaging in a game of Russian Roulette that leaves Rudy shaken. In the aftermath, a terrified Rudy has no choice but to relinquish leadership to Malcolm.

As the dust settles on their daring heist, Shorty and Malcolm revel in the spoils of their success, amassing a substantial haul over time. However, their carefree celebration comes to an abrupt halt when, one fateful night in early 1946, they're struck by an unexpected setback. While attending to Malcolm's locks, the duo is met with an uninvited visitor: the sound of running water has ceased, forcing them to improvise a makeshift rinse in the toilet bowl. The sudden interruption is short-lived, as the police burst into their humble abode, arresting Shorty, Malcolm, Sophia, and Peg (Debi Mazar) amidst the chaos.

The ensuing courtroom drama unfolds with a stark racial undertone, as a cameo appearance by civil rights attorney William Kunstler serves as a poignant reminder of the era's social climate. A guilty verdict is delivered, prompting the judge to mete out disparate sentences: Sophia and Peg receive a relatively light 18-month term for their association with the robbery group, while Shorty and Malcolm are handed eight-to-ten year sentences for 14 separate counts of robbery, with the added kicker that these sentences will be served concurrently. As the reality of their situation sets in, a devastated Shorty's world is turned upside down, literally fainting upon hearing his fate. It takes Malcolm's reassuring explanation of concurrent sentencing to revive Shorty from the brink of despair, as the weight of their combined sentences becomes starkly apparent – a staggering 100 years or more, should they serve consecutive terms.

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Malcolm's arrival at a Massachusetts penitentiary marks the beginning of a transformative journey. Initially resistant to conforming to the prison's rigid norms, Malcolm's defiance earns him a stint in solitary confinement. It is there that he meets Father (), the prison priest, who attempts to reach out to Malcolm but is met with scorn and rejection. Eventually released from isolation, Malcolm recites his incarceration number, only to find solace in the showers where he encounters Baines (Albert Hall), a member of the Nation of Islam. Baines' impassioned preaching about the teachings of Elijah Muhammad (Al Freeman Jr.) resonates deeply with Malcolm, who is struck by Baines' unwavering confidence and courage in the face of adversity.

As Malcolm becomes increasingly enthralled by the Nation's ideology, he is tasked with copying out an entire English language dictionary, highlighting the double standards that govern words like "black" and "white". This exercise serves as a catalyst for his growth, as he begins to grasp the profound implications of language and the importance of mastering its power. Initially hesitant to pray directly to Allah, Malcolm's vision in his jail cell of Elijah Muhammad ultimately emboldens him to adopt Islam as his spiritual path.

Malcolm's newfound faith also sparks a confrontation with Father (), who is taken aback by Malcolm's critiques of traditional Christian iconography. Malcolm contends that the apostles and Jesus were far from white, a challenge that echoes the Nation's core principles. After serving six years in prison, Malcolm is paroled in 1952 and soon finds himself at the Nation's headquarters in Chicago, where he meets Elijah Muhammad in person. The experience leaves him awestruck and humbled, prompting tears of gratitude as he surrenders to his newfound faith.

As part of his initiation into the Nation, Elijah Muhammad instructs Malcolm to abandon his surname 'Little', a legacy inherited from a white slave owner, and adopt the letter 'X' instead, a symbol of his lost African heritage.

As Malcolm X settles into his new life as a preacher for the Nation of Islam in Harlem's single-room mosque, the congregation flourishes, and his influence grows exponentially. Amidst this backdrop of spiritual growth, Malcolm is unexpectedly reunited with Shorty, a former criminal acquaintance, during a sermon where he kindly acknowledges Shorty's presence as a symbol of his own past misdeeds. The two share a cup of coffee, and while Shorty attempts to coax Malcolm into indulging in old habits, Malcolm proudly declares himself clean, having left his troubled past behind. Shorty also updates Malcolm on the whereabouts of their former associate, West Indian Archie, who has since suffered a debilitating stroke and now resides in a squalid Bronx apartment. Moved by Archie's plight, Malcolm pays him a visit, offering comfort and solace to his old friend.

In 1957, tensions between the Nation of Islam and the Harlem division of the New York City Police Department come to a head when Brother Johnson, one of Malcolm's followers, is brutally beaten and denied medical attention. Undeterred by the authorities' refusal to acknowledge their grievances, Malcolm organizes the Fruit of Islam, the Nation's security force, and joins forces with a swelling crowd of local protesters to stage a silent protest outside the police precinct. With his characteristic calmness and determination, Malcolm asserts that neither he nor the Fruit of Islam will disperse until Brother Johnson receives proper medical care. The authorities eventually succumb to pressure, and Johnson is taken to the hospital.

As the Nation leaves the scene, Captain (Peter Boyle) remarks wryly, "that's too much power for one man to have." In a nearby café, Malcolm encounters Benjamin, a young man who witnessed the police brutality against Brother Johnson and has been deeply impressed by Malcolm's unwavering composure. Benjamin approaches Malcolm, seeking guidance on how to become a Muslim, but Malcolm cautions him, emphasizing the importance of understanding the organization before joining. Undeterred, Benjamin leaves, promising to make Malcolm proud of him in the days ahead.

As Malcolm's star continues to rise, he finds himself increasingly entwined with nurse Betty Sanders (Angela Bassett), the love of his life. Their whirlwind romance culminates in a private ceremony, where they exchange vows and begin planning a family of their own. Before long, they're surrounded by four little girls, the embodiment of their shared dreams.

However, as Malcolm's influence grows within the Nation of Islam, he finds himself at odds with Baines, who's grown increasingly resentful of Malcolm's ascension to a high advisory position alongside Elijah Muhammad. The tension culminates in a series of subtle attacks on Malcolm, who's relegated to the periphery of the Nation's official publication, "Muhammad Speaks". Baines takes it upon himself to directly confront Muhammad, whispering doubts about Malcolm's motivations, suggesting he may be more interested in courting white media attention for personal gain rather than for the good of the Nation.

A chance encounter with a disgruntled individual leaves Malcolm reeling after being confronted with the notion that Muhammad may not be the benevolent leader the Nation has come to believe. The seeds of doubt are sown, and Malcolm's world begins to unravel further as he grapples with the reality of his own disillusionment.

In 1962, a bitter argument erupts between Malcolm and Betty over reports in the New York Post that suggest Muhammad may have fathered illegitimate children with at least two unmarried women who served on his office staff. Betty's ire is fueled by her husband's seeming indifference to his own diminishing stature within the Nation, as well as the palpable air of neglect that surrounds him. The tension boils over, and Malcolm sets out to uncover the truth, speaking privately with the women in question who confirm the reports and have been ostracized within the Nation.

A face-to-face confrontation with Muhammad follows, during which he attempts to justify his actions by invoking biblical precedents – citing Noah's intoxication and Solomon's multiple wives. However, Malcolm remains unconvinced, his faith in the Nation of Islam irreparably shaken. His stature within the organization begins to wane, leaving him a shell of his former self.

As the tumultuous year of 1963 draws to a close, Malcolm's reputation as a truth-teller is dealt another crushing blow. In the wake of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, he delivers a candid and unflinching assessment, likening the tragedy to "the chickens coming home to roost," a commentary that swiftly takes on a life of its own in American newspapers. The resulting backlash from both black and white establishments is swift and merciless, prompting Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam to suspend Malcolm's duties as their spokesperson for an indefinite period.

This suspension serves only to further infuriate Malcolm, who perceives it as a clear betrayal by those he once considered leaders and mentors. Despite his anger, however, he reluctantly submits to the punishment, recognizing that it is a necessary step towards personal growth and self-reflection.

The early months of 1964 find Malcolm in a state of suspension, his energies redirected towards forging a new path forward. He announces publicly that he will be establishing Muslim Mosque Inc., an organization that will eschew the exclusivity of the Nation of Islam and instead welcome individuals from all walks of life - including white people who are willing to support his cause, though not participate as full-fledged members.

In tandem with this announcement, Malcolm sets his sights on completing a "hajj," or holy journey, to the Middle East and Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This sacred pilgrimage is a requirement for all Muslims, and Malcolm undertakes it with the knowledge that he will be accompanied by two individuals he assumes are CIA agents, their presence serving only to heighten the sense of intrigue surrounding his every move.

As he tours the ancient pyramids at Giza, Malcolm's thoughts turn to the many faces of Islam - a faith not confined to Arab, Middle Eastern or African descent, but rather one that encompasses people from all corners of the globe. In Mecca, he participates in the ritualistic seven circuits around the Kaaba, drinks from the sacred Well of Zamzam, and kisses the revered Black Stone.

This transformative experience serves as a catalyst for Malcolm's spiritual re-awakening, prompting him to confront the harsh reality that exclusionary practices - whether based on race or any other criteria - can only serve to further entrench divisions and impede progress. As he willingly shares in the meals and devotions of his fellow pilgrims, including Caucasians, mixed-race individuals, and Asians, Malcolm's outlook is forever altered, his path forward illuminated by a newfound sense of unity and purpose.

As Malcolm X returns to American soil, he takes center stage at a press conference, where he proclaims an abrupt shift in his convictions, renouncing his previous advocacy for African-American separation from white America. Instead, he forges a new path, founding the Organization for African-American Unity (OAAU), a beacon of tolerance and acceptance, embracing the teachings of the Qur'an and spreading the message of unity among those seeking to worship Allah. In a bold move, Malcolm shuns his ties with the Nation of Islam, opting for a fresh start under a new moniker, "El-Hajj Malik Al-Shabazz." The reverberations of this decision are swift and severe, as his family begins to receive ominous phone threats from erstwhile allies within the Nation of Islam.

As the months unfold, Malcolm's Queens residence becomes a focal point of tension. In September 1964, he is photographed taking up vigil at night, rifle in hand, a testament to his unwavering commitment to self-defense. The stakes are raised further still when, in February 1965, a pair of firebombs is hurled at his home. Undeterred, Malcolm confronts the situation with characteristic bravado, issuing a public statement to a television news crew outside, vowing that if he had actually witnessed the arsonists firsthand, he would have taken decisive action against them on the street.

The incident sparks a maelstrom of speculation and suspicion, with some doubting whether the firebombing was an isolated act or part of a larger conspiracy. Baines, in particular, fuels the flames, suggesting that Malcolm himself may have orchestrated the attack as a publicity stunt to further his own agenda. In response, Baines dispatches a clandestine message to five trusted individuals, instructing them to continue pursuing their mission to eliminate Malcolm X, now more determined than ever to carry out his orders despite the firebombing's unintended consequences.

As the ominous specter of death threats continued to loom over him, Malcolm's once unwavering confidence began to waver, leaving him consumed by a sense of despondency. In an effort to reclaim his public persona, he arranged a speaking engagement at the iconic Audubon Ballroom in Harlem on February 21, 1965 - his first major address since founding the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU). Prior to taking the stage, Malcolm chose to lay low for the night, checking into a New York hotel under an assumed identity, possibly to deflect attention away from his family. However, even in the relative seclusion of his hotel room, he was unable to escape the chilling presence of further death threats delivered by the Nation of Islam.

As the day of the speech drew near, Malcolm's unease only intensified. He made the arduous drive to the Audubon Ballroom, where a chance encounter with a compassionate stranger on the street offered a brief respite from his troubles. Her words of encouragement, urging him not to let the naysayers get under his skin and assuring him that Jesus would watch over him, struck a chord within Malcolm, who acknowledged her kindness with gratitude.

In the days leading up to the speech, tensions ran high within Malcolm's inner circle. Brother Earl (James McDaniel), one of his trusted lieutenants, advocated for a more stringent security presence at the event, suggesting that attendees be thoroughly searched and guards be positioned around the stage and podium to ensure Malcolm's safety. However, Malcolm refused these suggestions, insisting that he wanted his audience to feel unencumbered and at ease.

As the OAAU program continued to falter due to a last-minute cancellation by the scheduled opening speaker, Malcolm's frustration mounted. His staff, sensing their leader's growing ire, excused themselves, leaving Malcolm alone with Brother Earl. The two men engaged in a heated conversation, during which Malcolm lamented the state of affairs and muttered ominously about the present day being "a time for martyrs." Despite Earl's suggestion that they postpone the engagement, Malcolm remained resolute, refusing to yield to fear or uncertainty.

With his notes in order, Malcolm prepared to take the stage, his determination to confront the challenges ahead unwavering. As he stepped into the spotlight, he would face not only the expected criticisms and threats but also the possibility of martyrdom - a fate that hung precariously in the balance like a sword of Damocles.

As Brother Benjamin 2X takes center stage in the auditorium, Betty and Malcolm's four daughters sit poised at the front row, their eyes fixed intently on the proceedings. The air is electric with anticipation as Malcolm steps forward to greet the crowd, his confident demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos that is about to unfold. Just as he begins to speak, a man in the back row suddenly erupts into a cacophony of shouted taunts, his outburst expertly timed to divert attention away from the true objective. As the security guards rush to intervene, a second figure in the second row springs into action, brandishing a sawed-off double-barreled shotgun with deadly precision.

Malcolm's instincts prove prophetic as he anticipates the armed assassin's approach and falls prey to a hail of gunfire, his left shoulder and chest bearing the brunt of the attack. As the killer's bullets rip through his body, Malcolm's smile is tinged with a hint of resignation, a stark acknowledgment that his time has come. The auditorium erupts into pandemonium as two additional assassins join the fray, their semi-automatic pistols spewing forth a relentless barrage of bullets. The chaos subsides only when the killers flee the scene, leaving behind a trail of carnage and the lifeless body of Malcolm.

In the aftermath of the assassination, Thomas Hayer (Giancarlo Esposito), one of the handgun-wielding assassins, finds himself hampered by a bullet wound to his right leg. As he's caught and brutally beaten by an enraged crowd outside the auditorium's front entrance, the police arrive mere minutes later to apprehend the wounded assassin and take him into custody.

Meanwhile, Betty stands bereft, cradling her lifeless husband as tears stream down her face. The authorities hastily transport Malcolm's body to a nearby hospital, where his grim fate is confirmed: multiple gunshot wounds prove fatal, and he is declared dead on arrival. As the news of his passing spreads like wildfire, Martin Luther King Jr.'s somber words serve as a poignant eulogy, underscoring the senseless violence that has claimed the life of this civil rights icon.

The film concludes with a powerful montage of archival footage and photographs showcasing the real Malcolm, his legacy forever etched in the annals of history. A poignant interlude features Nelson Mandela, recently released from prison after three decades, speaking to a South African grade school class about hope and perseverance. The final shot belongs to Malcolm himself, his iconic declaration "By any means necessary!" serving as a clarion call to action, reminding us that even in the face of tragedy, the struggle for justice and equality must continue unabated.