Malcolm X

Main Plot

"Malcolm X," directed by Spike Lee, is a biographical epic that chronicles the life and evolution of Malcolm X, an influential African American leader and prominent figure in the Nation of Islam. The film portrays his early days, starting with his troubled youth involving crime and imprisonment. While incarcerated, Malcolm undergoes a profound transformation after discovering the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, which leads him to become a dynamic, eloquent advocate for the rights of African Americans. The narrative follows his rise as a powerful speaker and civil rights leader, his pilgrimage to Mecca, and his subsequent ideological transformation. After breaking away from the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X embraces a more inclusive approach to the fight for equality before his life is tragically cut short by assassination. The film explores themes of identity, justice, and racial inequality, while also providing a critical look at Malcolm X's philosophy and the impact of his legacy on the civil rights movement in America.

Characters

• Denzel Washington plays Malcolm X, chronicling his life from criminal beginnings to influential human rights activist and leader in the Nation of Islam.
• Angela Bassett plays Betty Shabazz, the supportive and resilient wife of Malcolm X, contributing significantly to his personal and public life transformations.
• Delroy Lindo plays West Indian Archie, a Harlem numbers runner who mentors and later conflicts with Malcolm X, influencing his early criminal lifestyle.

Ending Explained

The ending of Spike Lee's film "Malcolm X" is both poignant and powerful, encapsulating the transformation and legacy of the civil rights leader. After Malcolm X breaks away from the Nation of Islam and embarks on a pilgrimage to Mecca, his perspectives on race and spirituality are profoundly transformed. He returns to the United States with a new, inclusive approach, advocating for racial unity and human rights globally. The conclusion of the film focuses on Malcolm X's assassination on February 21, 1965, while he is preparing to address a gathering at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem. The scene is intense and dramatic, capturing the shock and horror of the moment. Malcolm's family and supporters are shown in deep distress, underscoring the tragedy of his loss. Following the assassination, the film features a classroom scene where a teacher, played by Ossie Davis, who originally delivered Malcolm X's eulogy, is seen interacting with students about Malcolm X's impact. The film ends with a scene of Nelson Mandela addressing a group of schoolchildren, reciting one of Malcolm X’s speeches, symbolizing the enduring influence of his ideas on civil rights movements around the world. This conclusion serves not only as a tribute to Malcolm X’s legacy but also as a reflection on the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.