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Ragtime

Play trailer Poster for Ragtime PG Released Nov 20, 1981 2h 35m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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84% Tomatometer 19 Reviews 77% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
A kaleidoscope of tales from E.L. Doctorow's eponymous novel evokes life in pre-World War I New York City. A white family find a black baby in their yard and takes on the mother as a maid. A black pianist, Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Howard E. Rollins Jr.), returns for his woman and child after finding success in a Harlem jazz band. Firefighters, dismayed to see a black man own a Model-T Ford, deface it, and Walker demands retribution. The white family becomes involved in Evelyn Nesbit's trial.
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Ragtime

Critics Reviews

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Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times The great achievement of Ragtime is in its performances, especially Howard E. Rollins, Jr. and the changes he goes through in this story. Rated: 3.5/4 Oct 23, 2004 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com ...it’s not exactly a crowd-pleaser at 155 mins, but as a consideration of the darker side of American history, specifically racism, it’s an absorbing and powerful watch for grown-up audiences... Rated: 4/5 Jan 23, 2024 Full Review James Kendrick Q Network Film Desk The film flounders in its rhythms, and the editing is sometimes jagged, suggesting that there should be more than there is Rated: 2.5/4 Jan 6, 2022 Full Review Allison Rose FlickDirect There are so many terrific elements that make up Ragtime, it is difficult to figure out what to focus on first. Rated: 4.5/5 Dec 2, 2021 Full Review Peter Canavese Celluloid Dreams Somewhat disjointed, and while it doesn't quite get its hands around the novel, still enjoyable with a great cast. (Blu-ray includes the 19-minutes longer director's cut with the 4K restoration of the original theatrical release). Rated: 3/4 Nov 26, 2021 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Although often episodic in nature, the picture manages to successfully link its various looks at a growing nation too giddy to address its mounting sins and scandals. Rated: 3.5/4 Nov 21, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Martin B Too long and drawn out towards the end and not very faithful to the wonderful, fact-based book but worth watching if you (sadly) do not read books. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/18/25 Full Review Gorptholemew T 🍅 8.6/10 It’s quite convoluted and constantly changing but it is always interesting and entertaining. The third act idk certainly the most engaging. the sets are great and it has an interesting conversation. The movie is a bit hard to follow at first but eventually evolves to an interesting and thrilling drama. I would highly recommend a watch. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/17/25 Full Review Mark P It was a good watch, but didn't capture the feel of the book it came. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/09/24 Full Review Alec B Doctorow's novel is a tricky thing to adapt, especially with its deliberately elusive ideas about America. Inevitably a lot of materiel was cut or truncated in this movie but there is a lot to admire in Forman's vision here. His focus on the characters inspires a lot of empathy, more than usual in these kinds of period pieces. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/05/24 Full Review matthias s "Ragtime" is a mixed bag of cinematic delights, deserving a solid three stars. The film boasts exceptional acting that truly brings its characters to life. From Coalhouse Walker's passionate portrayal to Mother's endearing grace, the cast excels. The soundtrack is a standout feature, weaving the titular genre into the narrative seamlessly. It's a toe-tapping delight that adds to the film's charm. The setting and costumes transport you to the early 20th century with incredible detail. However, the story's slow pacing can make it hard to stay fully captivated throughout. The film's portrayal of racism, while well-executed, might leave you with a heavy heart. The third act is where "Ragtime" shines the brightest, wrapping up the tale with a satisfying crescendo of drama and emotion. All in all, it's a film worth watching for its strong elements, even if it doesn't hit all the right notes. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/18/23 Full Review John A This early 80's historical drama taking place in early 20th century America deals with some bold themes to varying effects. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis A kaleidoscope of tales from E.L. Doctorow's eponymous novel evokes life in pre-World War I New York City. A white family find a black baby in their yard and takes on the mother as a maid. A black pianist, Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Howard E. Rollins Jr.), returns for his woman and child after finding success in a Harlem jazz band. Firefighters, dismayed to see a black man own a Model-T Ford, deface it, and Walker demands retribution. The white family becomes involved in Evelyn Nesbit's trial.
Director
Milos Forman
Producer
Dino De Laurentiis
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Dino De Laurentiis Company
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 20, 1981, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 30, 2016
Runtime
2h 35m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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