- Network: National Geographic
- Series Premiere Date: Apr 25, 2017
Critic Reviews
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“MLK/X” offers a refreshing, enthralling perspective that echoes the mastery of Raoul Peck’s James Baldwin-centered documentary “I Am Not Your Negro.” ... In the careful hands of these actors, Malcolm X and Dr. King become tangible.
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By giving more weight to the personal side of the men’s lives and what Coretta and Betty contributed to the movement makes “MLK/X” one of the more well-rounded personal portraits of each.
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More than anything, “MLK/X” exhibits a clear desire to humanize its subjects, conveying the men, women and personal sacrifices behind the myths and legends. While it generally succeeds on that level, the denseness of that history comes at the expense of slowing its march.
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While Genius is a handsome lecture (going beyond generous casting choices that rival Dominic West as Prince Charles in The Crown), it’s a lecture nonetheless. To that end, it will be most illuminating to those wanting to learn all about two of the most significant Black figures of the 20th century.
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If you’re utterly ignorant of America’s original sin — or somehow think Republicans are here to help rectify it — then perhaps “MLK/X” will pass along some meaningful knowledge. But as it stands, these eight hours would be better spent with any number of related projects.
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Its episodes tell us little about each man's wellsprings of inspiration and the very least about the people integral to forging their legacies.
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It attempts to bridge cloying dramatic sensibilities with real historical moments from the iconic figures and their joint efforts that put a stamp on history, leaving little for an audience who have seen these stories dramatized more successfully multiple times.