Malcolm X

The film opens with Malcolm X's powerful rhetoric, addressing the oppression of the Black community. His speech is forceful, calling out the acts of violence and systemic racism inflicted by whites, and is poignantly accompanied by disturbing footage of Rodney King's beating.

Transitioning to the early 1940s, young Malcolm Little is introduced in Roxbury, Boston. Here, he seeks to conform to white standards by straightening his hair, reflecting his struggles with identity amid the backdrop of World War II.

In a haunting flashback, Malcolm recalls his traumatic upbringing in Nebraska, including the brutal attack on his family home by the Ku Klux Klan. His father's murder, which the authorities dismissed as a suicide, profoundly shapes the family dynamics and Malcolm's future.

Despite his aspirations to become a lawyer, Malcolm faces systemic racism when a teacher belittles his dreams as impractical. This interaction highlights the harsh reality for Black youth with ambitions in a prejudiced society.

In 1944, Malcolm and Shorty enjoy a night out at a jitterbug club where Malcolm meets Sophia, a white woman. This encounter serves as a turning point, showcasing Malcolm's internal conflicts regarding race and attraction while he is still with his girlfriend Laura.

Malcolm finds work with a railroad and soon becomes entangled with West Indian Archie, leading him deeper into organized crime. This journey into illegal activities marks the beginning of a dangerous new chapter in Malcolm's life.

Malcolm and Shorty’s crime spree ultimately leads to their arrest. Facing unequal sentencing, they are imprisoned for several years, offering Malcolm a stark confrontation with the justice system and its biases.

During his time in prison, Malcolm meets Baines, a member of the Nation of Islam, who influences his transformation. Through Baines' teachings, Malcolm begins to challenge his perceptions of race and identity, starting his path towards self-discovery.

By discarding his surname 'Little', Malcolm adopts 'X', symbolizing his rejection of his lost heritage. This decision marks a pivotal moment in his life, as he fully commits to the principles of Islam and his belief in racial empowerment.

After his release in 1952, Malcolm rises rapidly in the ranks of the Nation of Islam, gaining a larger audience and influence. His marriage to Betty Sanders further enriches his commitment to the movement, but it also invites jealousy and conflict from others in the organization.

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy sparks further controversy for Malcolm, who reflects on its ties to America's systemic violence against Black individuals. This incident escalates scrutiny and opposition against him from various sides.

In response to growing tensions, Malcolm forms the Organization for African-American Unity (OAAU). This initiative symbolizes his evolved perspective on race and unity, especially following his transformative pilgrimage to Mecca.

Malcolm embarks on a life-changing trip to Mecca, where he experiences a universal Islam that transcends racial divides. This journey profoundly reshapes his views on race relations and the potential for unity among peoples.

On February 21, 1965, Malcolm prepares for a speaking engagement at the Audubon Ballroom, despite warnings about potential threats. His commitment to addressing the community leads to a fateful encounter that ends in his assassination.

The film concludes by reflecting on Malcolm X's enduring impact on the struggle for equality. His powerful voice and motto 'By any means necessary' continue to resonate within the ongoing fight against racial injustice.