Malcolm X (1992)

Biographical masterpiece Malcolm X details the historical significance and opinionated teachings of one of the most famous civil rights leaders of all time. To be frank, I hadn’t much knowledge of Mr. X prior to watching this movie, and I hope that is as accurate as it was informative.

From watching his troubled youth transform into a manhood of words and ideas, Malcolm was a passionate man with a precise vision of how he wanted the world to change. This movie shows that opinions, even strongly postured and publicized opinions, can grow and change into something bigger than just one man. Seeing Malcolm go from broad generalizations about race to a more human, democratic opinion of individual judgement was particularly moving to watch. The power of an idea is the greatest power a man can have. And if that man can communicate his idea effectively, and precisely enough so that it can be understood as it was meant to be understood, and with the passion and fire from which it came, that idea can engulf many a mind in its flame.

Without a doubt, he was a man that would have continued to change the world in great ways if he hadn’t been taken from it. And if the world needs anything, it’s both men of ideas and the change they inspire.