20th Century Fox original film X-Men was released July 14th, 2000.
The #X-Men trilogy cleared $1.164B at the international box office.
rottentomatoes: 82%
metacritic: 64
imdb: 7.3
Charles Xavier
Professor Charles Xavier battles for mutant rights near Westchester County, New York.
“Mutation– it is the key to our evolution. It has enabled us to evolve from a single-celled organism… into the dominant species on the planet. This process is slow, normally taking thousands and thousands of years. But every few hundred millennia, evolution leaps forward.” — Professor X
“Eric. What are you doing here? Don’t give up on them, Eric. It was a long time ago. Mankind has evolved since then. I’m looking for hope.” — Professor X
“Where’s he going? Where are you going? Over here. Where are you going? This way. He’s over there. Good morning, Logan. I’d like your definitions of weak and strong anthropic principles… on my desk on Wednesday. That’ll be all. Bye, Kitty. Physics. I’m Charles Xavier. Would you like some breakfast? Westchester, New York. You were attacked. My people brought you here for medical attention. Yes, of course. Rogue? She’s here. She’s fine. Ah, Logan, I’d like you to meet Ororo Monroe, also called Storm. This is Scott Summers, also called Cyclops. They saved your life. I believe you’ve already met Dr. Jean Grey. You’re in my school for the gifted. For mutants. You’ll be safe here from Magneto. A very powerful mutant who believes that a war is brewing… between mutants and the rest of humanity. I’ve been following his activities for some time. The man who attacked you is an associate of his called Sabretooth. Logan, it’s been almost 15 years, hasn’t it? Living from day to day, moving from place to place, with no memory of who or what you are. Give me a chance. I maybe be able to help you find some answers. You’re not the only one with gifts. Where are you going? Where’s he going? What are you doing there?” — Professor X
“Anonymity is a mutant’s first chance… against the world’s hostility. To the public, we’re merely a school for gifted youngsters. Cyclops, Storm and Jean were some of my first students. I protected them, taught them to control their powers… and in time, teach others to do the same. The students are mostly runaways. Frightened, alone. Some with gifts so extreme that they’ve become a danger… to themselves and those around them. Like your friend, Rogue. Incapable of physical human contact, probably for the rest of her life, and yet here she is with others her own age, learning being accepted, not feared. Well, that’s up to her. Rejoin the world as an educated young woman… or stay on to teach others… to become what the children have affectioned called X-Men.” — Professor X
“But the school is merely a public face. The lower levels, however, are an entirely different matter. When I was a boy, I discovered I had the power to control people’s minds, make them think or do whatever I wanted. When I was 17, I met a young man named Eric Lensherr. He, too, had an unusual power. He could create magnetic fields and control metal. Believing that humanity would never accept us, he grew angry and vengeful. He became Magneto. There are mutants out there with incredible powers, Logan, and many who do not share my respect for mankind. If no one is equipped to oppose them, humanity’s days could be over. I’ll make a deal with you, Logan. Give me 48 hours to find out what Magneto wants with you, and I give you my word that I will use all my power… to help you piece together what you’ve lost… and what you’re looking for.” — Professor X
“Experimentation on mutants. It’s not unheard of. But I’ve never seen anything like this before. I’m not entire sure it’s him Magneto wants.” — Professor X
“Logan? She’ll be all right. Whenever Rogue touches someone, she takes their energy, their life force. In the case of mutants, she absorbs their gifts for a short while. In your case, your ability to heal. If she’d held out any longer, she could have.” — Professor X
“What are you looking for, Eric? It’s strange. There are more powerful mutants out there. Why should this one be so important to him? You don’t like him. I am psychic, you know. Rogue. She’s gone.” — Professor X
“Welcome to Cerebro. The brain waves of mutants are different from average human beings. This device amplifies my power, allowing me to locate mutants across great distances. That’s how I intend to find Rogue. I’ve been trying. But he seems to have found some way to shield himself from it. Because he helped me build it. Now, if you’ll excuse me. She’s at the train station. A few miles west of here. Logan, you can’t leave the mansion. It’s just the opportunity Magneto needs. We had a deal. Storm, Cyclops, find her. See if you can talk to her. What do you– that way.” — Professor X
“I made a terrible mistake. His helmet was somehow designed to block my telepathy. I couldn’t see what he was after till it was too late. How?” — Professor X
“Senator Kelly. I’m professor Charles Xavier. Treat you like a mutant? We’re not what you think. Not all of us. Senator… I want you to try and relax. I’m not going to hurt you. The machine emits radiation that triggers mutation in ordinary human beings. There appears to be none. But I fear it will seriously harm any normal person exposed to it. I don’t know. Yes. In fact, it nearly killed him. Cyclops, you and Storm ready the jet. I’m gonna find Rogue. Jean, get Logan a uniform. Yes. I’m going to find her. Settle this.” — Professor X
Magneto
“Why do you ask questions… to which you already know the answers? What would you have me do, Charles? I’ve heard these arguments before. Yes, into us. You sneaking around in here, Charles? Whatever are you looking for? I will bring you hope, old friend. And I ask only one thing in return. Don’t get in my way. We are the future, Charles, not them. They no longer matter.”
“What happened? Charles. Hmm. Where is the mutant now? I have made the first move. That is all they know. Come. The U.N. summit is approaching. Time for our little test.”
“Toad has a wicked tongue, Senator. Just like you. Mr. Guyrich has been dead for some time, Senator. But I’ve had Mystique here keep you company. She takes so many shapes. Are you a God-fearing man, Senator? That’s such a strange phrase. I’ve always thought of God as a teacher, as a bringer of light, wisdom and understanding. You see, I think what you really are afraid of is me. Me and my kind. The Brotherhood of Mutants. Though it’s not so surprising, really. Mankind has always feared what it doesn’t understand. Well, don’t fear God, Senator, and certainly, don’t fear me. Not anymore. Let’s just say God works too slowly.”
“How are we feeling, Senator? Advanced, I hope. Hmm. Senator, this is pointless. Where would you go? Who would take you in now that you’re one of us?”
“You must be Wolverine. That remarkable metal doesn’t run through your entire body, does it? You? My dear boy, whoever said I wanted you? Young people. You Homo sapiens and your guns. Why not come out where I can see you, Charles? Can’t you read my mind? What now? Save the girl? You’ll have to kill me, Charles. And what will that accomplish? Let them pass that law. They’ll have you in chains with a number burned in your forehead. Then kill me and find out. Huh? Then release me. Fine. Care to press your luck, Charles? I don’t think I can stop them all. Still unwilling to make sacrifices. That’s what makes you weak. Good-bye, Charles.”
“Welcome to the future, brother.”
Wolverine
“I’ll have a beer. You lost your money. You keep this up, you’ll lose something else. What the hell are you doing? Get out. I don’t know. Pick one. No, you didn’t. What? If you’d prefer the road– put your hands on the heater. I’m not gonna hurt you, kid. What? Fair enough. Every time. So, what kind of a name is Rogue? My name’s Logan. Look, kid. I don’t need advice on auto safety from– you all right? Kid, are you all right?”
“Where am I? I don’t need medical attention. Where’s the girl? Really. What’s a Magneto? Sabretooth? Storm. What do they call you? Wheels? This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Cyclops, right? You wanna get out of my way? Shut up. How do you know? What is this place? What’ll happen to her?”
“I’m sorry. If I hurt you. So, couldn’t wait to get my shirt off again, huh? Where is your room? Is that your gift? Putting up with that guy? Really, what kinds of things? What, like your Professor? I’m sure he is. So read my mind. Come on. You afraid you might like it? What do you see? You gonna tell me to stay away from your girl? Hmm. Well, then, I guess you’ve got nothing to worry about, do you, Cyclops? Help me. Somebody help!”
“What happened? Is she all right? What did she do to me? I feel like she almost killed me. Where is she? This certainly is a big, round room. Why don’t you just use it to find Magneto? How would he know how to do that? Have you ever– where is it? I’m the reason she took off.”
“Hey, kid. I’m sorry about last night. You running again? Well, who told you that? No, I think you should follow your instincts. There’s not many people that’ll understand what you’re going through, but I think this guy Xavier’s one of them. He seems to genuinely wanna help you, and that’s a rare thing… for people like us. So, what do you say? Give these geeks one more shot? Come on. I’ll take care of you. Yeah. Yeah, I promise. What the hell do you want with me?”
“You said he wanted me. I’m gonna find her. The traditional way. Look. Who’s gonna help me? You? So far you’ve all done a bang-up job. Fight with you? What, join the team? Be an X-Man? Who the hell do you think you are? You’re a mutant. The whole world out there is full of pople that hate you and fear you. And you’re wasting your time trying to protect ’em? I got better things to do. You know, Magneto’s right. There’s a war coming. You sure you’re on the right side?”
“So what does Magneto want with Rogue? He’s gonna transfer his power to Rogue… and use her to power the machine. Hey, I wasn’t the one who gave the train station a new sunroof, pal. hey, why don’t you take your little mission and stick it up your– I’m sorry.”
Jean Grey
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are now seeing the beginning of another stage of human evolution. These mutations manifest at puberty… and are often triggered by period of heightened emotional stress. I’m afraid that’s an unfair question, Senator Kelly. After all, the wrong person behind the wheel of a car can be dangerous. Yes, but not to live. Senator, it is a fact… that mutants who have come forward and revealed themselves publicly… have been met with fear, hostility, even violence. It is because of that ever-present hostility… that I am urging the Senate to vote against mutant registration. To force mutants to expose themselves will only further– I didn’t say they were hiding. Senator Kelly– Senator Kelly–“
“For what? The metal is an alloy called adamantium. Supposedly indestructible. It’s been surgically grafted to his entire skeleton. His mutation. He has uncharted regenerative capability, which enables him to heal rapidly. This also makes his age impossible to determine. He could very well be older than you, Professor. He doesn’t know. Nor does he remember anything about his life before it happened.”
“I think you’ll be comfortable here. With Scott down the hall. Actually, I’m telekinetic. I can move things with my mind. All kinds of things. I also have some telepathic ability. Nowhere near that powerful. But he’s teaching me to develop it. I’d rather not. I doubt it. Scott. Good night, Logan. Used Cerebro? No. It takes a degree of control, and, uh, for someone like me, it’s–“
“But the mutation is unnatural. Kelly’s body is rejecting it. His cells began… to break down almost immediately. Scott–“
Cyclops
“Who did this to him? What do you think Magneto wants with him?”
“If I had to do that, she wouldn’t be my girl. Yeah, it must just burn you up that a boy like me saved your life, huh? You ought to be careful. I might not be there next time. Oh, and, Logan, stay away from my girl.”
“Maybe it’s his way with people. How could you tell? Who? Dangerous. Where’s my motorcycle?”
“What effect does radiation have on mutants? Wait a second. You said this machine draws its power from Magneto… and that it weakened him. Whoa, wait a minute. He’s not coming with us, is he? I’m sorry, Professor, but he’ll endanger the mission. And if– no, you were the one who stabbed Rogue through the chest.”
“You can still hear me, can’t you? You’ve taught me everything in my life that was ever worth knowing. And if anything happens, well, I’ll take care of them. Jean?”
Storm
“Hello. John.”
“How could he have survived a procedure like that?”
“Scott, grab a pillow.”
“She’s all right. She’s just upset. What?”
“You look around. I’ll check with the ticket agent. She’s about 17. Uh, my height. Has brown hair, and she–“
“Where are you going? Logan, you can’t do this alone. Then help us. Fight with us. At least I’ve chosen a side.”
“Yes. I’m here. All right. Sometimes. I suppose… I’m afraid of them. Senator Kelly is dead.”
Rogue
“Niagara Falls. Up… the Canadian Rockies, and then it’s only a few hundred miles to Anchorage. Well, that’s the point, stupid. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be an adventure. I don’t know. After high school. Before college. I don’t know what happened to him. I don’t know what– I just touched him. I didn’t– I didn’t mean– don’t touch. Just get away from me! Don’t touch me!”
“Where are we? I thought you said you were gonna take me as far as Laughlin City. Look out! I’m sorry. I needed a ride. Thought you might help me. Where am I supposed to go? You don’t know or you don’t care? I saved your life. You don’t have anything to eat, do you? I’m Rogue. Were you in the army? Doesn’t that mean you were in the army? Wow. Suddenly my life doesn’t look that bad. No. No. It looks great. Looks cozy. It’s nothing personal. It’s just that… when people touch my skin, something happens. I don’t know. They just get hurt. When they come out, does it hurt? I don’t know. What kind of a name is Wolverine? Marie. You know, you should wear your seat belt. I’m stuck!”
“Rogue. Logan. Logan. Logan, wake up. It was an accident.”
“Bobby. No, no. I borrowed his powers. I had no choice. No, you have to understand me. What do you mean?”
“Me too. I heard the professor was mad at me. A boy at school. You think I should go back. The first boy I ever kissed… ended up in a coma for three weeks. I can still feel him inside my head. And it’s the same with you. You promise? Stop! Stop it!”
Rogue’s family
“Well, won’t it be kind of cold? And when are you gonna do this? Marie! David? Call an ambulance! Honey– call an ambulance!”
Alberta, Canada
“This is it. This is Laughlin city. Gentlemen, in all my years, I’ve never seen anything like that. Are you gonna let this man walk away with your money? I’ll fight him! Ladies and gentlemen, our savior! Whatever you do, don’t hit him in the balls. You said anything goes. Anything goes, but he’ll take it personal. Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s winner and still king of the cage, the Wolverine! You want something new, honey? Or are you sticking with water? You owe me some money. Come on, Stu. Let’s not do this. No man takes a beating like that without a mark to show for it. Come on, buddy. This isn’t gonna be worth it. I know what you are. Come on, buddy. Get out of my bar, freak.”
Toad
“Weren’t you supposed to bring someone back with you?”
“Quit playing around.”
“Let them go.”
Sabretooth
“They knew. With them.”
“Scream for me.”
“That’s enough, Eric. Want her for? It won’t be–“
Mystique
“So? What about the U.N. summit? The whole world will be watching. Maybe there’s some way you could use that to your advantage. People like you are the reason I was afraid to go to school as a child.”
“Rogue. Rogue, what did you do? They say that you’re stealing other mutants’ powers. You never use your power against another mutant. If I were you, I’d get myself out of here. Listen, the students are freaked. Professor Xavier’s furious. I don’t know what he’ll do with you. I think it’ll be easier on your own. You should go.”
The X Mansion
“Let’s go. What’s your hurry? Bye, Professor.”
“Hey, no powers! Sorry. I’m Bobby. What’s your name? Welcome to Mutant High.”
“Welcome, Professor.”
“When’s the last time you saw her? She was supposed to meet me for lunch.”
“Welcome, Professor.”
Humans
“That’s right!”
“Ellis Island, once the arrival point for thousands of American immigrants… is opening its doors again. Preparations are nearly completed for the upcoming United Nations world summit. With nearly every invitation confirmed, the event promises to be the largest single gathering of world leaders in history. The leaders of over 200 nations will discuss issues ranging from the world’s economic climate… and weapons treaties to the mutant phenomenon and its impact on our world stage. Many American legislators have contended… that debate over mutant issues should be the primary focus of what is, on the surface, a strictly diplomatic affair.”
“Tommy, let it go! Tommy, please let it go! I’m telling Mommy. Is that a mutant?”
“…of this week’s U.N. summit. With the leaders of over 200 nations attending, the secret service has transformed Ellis Island… into a veritable For Knox for tomorrow night’s opening gala. Ellis Island rests less than one mile from the shores of Manhattan.”
“Come along now. All right, hold it. Hold it right there. Stay where you are. Put your hands over your heads now.”
Senator Kelly
“Thank you, Ms. Grey. It was quite educational. However, it fails to address the issue that is the focus of this hearing. Three words: are mutants dangerous? Well, we do license people to drive. Expose themselves? What is it the mutant community has to hide I wonder… that makes them so afraid to identify themselves? Let me show you what is being hidden, Ms. Grey. I have here a list of identified mutants… living right here in the United States. Now, here’s a girl in Illinois who can walk through walls. Now, what’s to stop her from walking into a bank vault… or into the White House or into their houses? And there are even rumors, Ms. Grey, of mutants so powerful that they can enter our minds and control our thoughts, taking our God-given free will. I think the American people deserve the right to decide… whether they want their children to be in school with mutants, to be taught by mutants. Ladies and gentlemen, the truth is mutants are very real, and they are among us. We must know who they are, and, above all, we must know… what they can do.”
“Senator, listen, you favor gun registration, yes? Well, some of these so-called children… possess more than 10 times the destructive forced of any handgun. No, I don’t see a difference. All I see are weapons in our schools. Well, that’s fair enough. All right. It’s gonna be close. A vote this loaded is always close. We’re Americans, Henry. Let the rest of the damn world deal with mutants in their own way. You know this situation? These mutants? People like this Jean Grey? If it were up to me, I’d lock ’em all away. It’s a war. It’s the reason people like me exist. Where the hell are we? Pilot!”
“Yech! Who are you people? Where’s Henry? Whatever you do to me, you’ll make me right. Every word I’ve spoken will be confirmed. What do you intend to do to me? What the hell have you done to me?”
“I’m looking for Dr. Jean Grey. I was afraid if I went to a hospital, they would– tell it to the ones who did this to me. Is somebody there? Please don’t leave me. Don’t want to be alone. Do you hate normal people? Why? Well, I think you’ve got one less person to– be afraid of.”
