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Ragtime

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Ragtime

PG

Released Nov 20, 1981

2h 35m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Milos Forman

Director

James Cagney

Police Commissioner Rhinelander Waldo

Howard E. Rollins Jr.

Coalhouse Walker Jr.

Elizabeth McGovern

Evelyn Nesbit

Brad Dourif

Younger Brother

Moses Gunn

Booker T. Washington

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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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