Vivid MLK and Malcolm X biopic has racial violence, romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a little
Domestic violence -- a man shoves a woman to the ground. Threats of violence. Racist mobs set fire to houses and places of worship, burning crosses on lawns and taking lives, though the direct violence isn't explicitly shown.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Much of the educational content in this show is biographical and historical in nature. Family histories of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X are explored. For example, Malcolm X's parents were political activists themselves, inspired by Marcus Garvey's teachings regarding the Black separatist movement; and his siblings were involved in the Nation of Islam before he adopted that belief. Couched in historical context, such as the signing of the Civil Rights Bill, these biographical stories are rich in meaning.
Diverse Representations
a lot
Black men and women make up the vast majority of the characters in this show. Both title characters devote their lives to removing barriers for people of color. Some evidence of religious diversity: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a reverend of the Baptist faith, while Malcolm X found a calling with the Nation of Islam, becoming a minister for his faith. Women are strong, though men often make decisions for their families in this show.
Fear can make you cautious, but it can be a motivating force. Allow yourself to be inspired. Know who you are. Do not give up on your dream. Help others. Follow your path. Educate yourself. Don't settle for less than what you're capable of. Learn from your mistakes. Speak out for justice. Take responsibility for your mistakes. Don't let other people define who you are. Be honest.
Positive Role Models
some
This show is about two of the most influential men of the 20th century, whose drive to educate themselves about history and philosophy, propelled them into leadership roles. Both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X worked tirelessly to further the rights of their people, though they had vastly different goals. Neither man was a saint, and this series doesn't shy away from showing their faults, but both used communication and tremendous courage to elevate the status of Black men and women in the U.S. and across the globe.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Genius: MLK/X is a biographical exploration of the lives of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, and is part of the National Geographic Genius series. Though the series focuses on the movements these men headed for civil rights, there are also depictions of their human sides. They both have complicated relationships; kissing and making out is shown, sex is implied. Adults are shown drinking, briefly doing drugs, and stealing. Language includes "damn," and "hell." The word "God" is used in religious contexts. Offensive racial epithets are used (n-word), as well as depictions of oppressive behavior and violence leveled at people because of their race. Character strengths include acts of courage and skilled communication.
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
GENIUS: MLK/X begins with two Civil Rights leaders meeting in Washington D.C. the day that the 1964 Civil Rights Act was to be signed into law. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Kelvin Harrison Jr., Monster) arrived at the capitol espousing a non-violent movement intent on lifting laws that oppressed Black citizens. Malcolm X (Aaron Pierre, The Underground Railroad) arrived with views to create a separate society for Blacks in the U.S. and in Africa. They both stood for equality. But their backgrounds and their visions were vastly different. Can both leaders work peacefully together? Or are their respective factions destined to be fractious?
Fascinating, but not flawless, this NatGeo biopic doesn't shy away from the human side of two powerful men. Genius: MLK/X suffers at times from clunky directing, but compelling performances from both Kelvin Harrison, Jr as MLK and Aaron Pierre as Malcolm X make this series very much worth the watch.
Teens and parents can count on having important conversations after viewing this one together. Do expect some lightly sexy moments and a little vice, but the historical importance of two extraordinary lives shines through.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about courage in Genius: MLK/X. When is an act of courage a necessary thing? What defines necessary in this case?
Both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were extraordinary speakers. What goes into preparation for communication at such a high level?
Malcolm X went down a road of criminal behavior that landed him in prison. How did he discover a sense of integrity? Is finding religion the same thing as finding integrity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
