Death of a Prophet
Death of a Prophet

Death of a Prophet

1981Movie60 minEnglish

After breaking ties with the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X became a man marked for death...and it was just a matter of time before his enemies closed in. Despite death threats and intimidation, Malcolm marched on - continuing to spread the word of equality and brotherhood right up until the moment of his brutal and untimely assassination. Highlighted by newsreel footage and interviews, this is the story of the last twenty-four hours of Malcolm X. Featuring the music of jazz percussionist Max Roach.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: B. J. Simon, Conrad L. RooksGenres: Drama, Biography, History

Plot Summary

A biographical drama exploring the life and legacy of Malcolm X, focusing on his transformation from a street hustler to a prominent civil rights leader. The film chronicles his conversion to Islam, his rise within the Nation of Islam, and his eventual disillusionment and departure, culminating in his assassination.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Death of a Prophet' garnered significant attention for its portrayal of Malcolm X's complex life and influential activism. While not a mainstream theatrical release, it was recognized for its historical significance and the compelling performances of its cast. Critical reviews often highlighted its ambitious scope in tackling such a monumental figure and its sensitive approach to controversial aspects of his life and the civil rights movement.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its detailed examination of Malcolm X's intellectual and spiritual evolution.
  • Noted for its powerful depiction of a pivotal figure in American history.
  • Acknowledged for its attempt to present a nuanced view of a controversial leader.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was executive produced by Abdur-Raheem Allah, a close associate of Malcolm X, aiming to present an authentic perspective on his life.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
GenerationofSwine

GenerationofSwin...

I'm sorry, but I guess you had to see it in 1981. Part of the distaste here is that it doesn't really compare to Spike Lee's last good film. And the other part is Morgan Freeman. It's really hard to see him as Malcolm X. That's not to...