Malcolm X (1992) - PG-13

Based on the autobiography of Malcolm X and a book by Alex Haley, this film follows the life of Malcolm X, the famous African American leader. It shows Malcolm Little witnessing the murder of his father by the KKK and portrays his gangster years and his resulting time in prison. While in jail, he discovers the Nation of Islam writings of Elijah Muhammad, leading to his name change to Malcolm X. He preaches the teachings when let out of jail - teachings that confront the treatment of African Americans in the U.S. His words incite people on both sides of the debate - including those with opposing views within the African American community. Eventually he goes on a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, where he converts to the original Islamic religion and becomes a Sunni Muslim. He changes his name again - this time to El-Hajj Malik Al-Shabazz and stops his anti-white teachings. He is later assassinated, allegedly by the Muslim sect he broke with.

Questions for reflections and/or discussion:

• Malcolm X goes through changes in his views, and often the change accompanies a significant event in his life. What are some of those events, and how did they change him? Are there any life-changing events that you have had or someone you know has had?
  
  
• The movie begins with shots from the video of Rodney King being violently clubbed by police - an event that has nothing directly to do with Malcolm X. Why do you think that Spike Lee decided to open the film with those images?
  
  
• Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., were both assassinated before they turned 40. How might it be different today if they were still alive?