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Ray

Play trailer Poster for Ray PG-13 Released Oct 29, 2004 2h 35m Biography History Drama Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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79% Tomatometer 204 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Legendary soul musician Ray Charles is portrayed by Jamie Foxx in this Oscar-winning biopic. Young Ray watches his 7-year-old brother drown at age seven. When he loses his sight at the age of 9, his hardworking mother (Sharon Warren) urges him not to feel sorry for himself. He rises through the ranks of the Seattle jazz scene, struggling with drug addiction and infidelity while on the road. Supported by his wife (Kerry Washington), Ray Charles redefines soul music and inspires a generation.
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Critics Consensus

An engrossing and energetic portrait of a great musician's achievements and foibles, Ray is anchored by Jamie Foxx's stunning performance as Ray Charles.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Excellent portrayal of extraordinary musician. Rated: 4/5 Dec 28, 2010 Full Review David Ansen Newsweek Ray is filled with such pleasures, but it's hobbled by the too-familiar conventions of the musical biopic: with so many chapters of Charles's life to cover, Hackford's movie never finds a rhythm, a groove, to settle into. Nov 1, 2007 Full Review Empire Magazine Rated: 4/5 Apr 1, 2006 Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand It’s an inspired performance that creates a complex character out of the pop music legend. Apr 6, 2024 Full Review David Walsh World Socialist Web Site Overall, ... the filmmakers have taken the line of least resistance, fashioning a familiar, 'inspirational' American tale about a man who overcomes personal trauma and experiences individual success. There's little richness in that. Feb 15, 2021 Full Review Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) The soul-stirring sounds of music legend Ray Charles keep saving the day for this straightforward, safe-bet biopic. Rated: 3/5 May 12, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Sandra F I was 14 when this film premiered and I remember the raves and cheers it received. And still for me to consider one of the greatest pieces of memorable films, acting, portrayal, and detailed story telling through the journey each range Jamie takes upon. Cinematic wise also. After 20 years of rewatching it, it is a refreshing revisit as when I had seen it for the first time. Jamie really set the standard for biopics across the board. No one has matched his portrayal with his acting in this film. A cinematic masterpiece. Cinematography was also amazing and the production outstanding. This film and the accolades stands the test of time. It has been 20 years and nothing nor neither can hold a candle to this epic performance. Not only a must see, but a must rewatch as well. Everything was very vivid and raw. Nothing was held back and we as the audience was graced to get every effect of that was delivered. Every single moment captured felt a reminiscent time that you have never experienced. A great tribute to the life of the late and great Ray Charles. Triple diamond. Luxury performance and deemed a great collection piece of filmography. A master class of what a biopic should be and must include. Also the story being the closest to detail is what makes it all the remarkable. I would like to say, thank you for this classic work of art. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/06/24 Full Review Luca B Yup. No words needed. Hit the road. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/29/24 Full Review Sams K Great performance by Jamie Foxx! God bless Ray. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/25/24 Full Review Cody W To hear Ray Charles play his songs while watching the movie is something that is really special to everybody. To see him go through so much drama throughout his career is something that everyone should learn about, that way they can support an incredible musician as a person and as a friend. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/25/24 Full Review John T. H You must be blind if you can't see the brilliant performance by Jamie Foxx! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/12/24 Full Review Sean D Totally miss when biopics were more like this , and weren't afraid to show some of the nitty gritty stuff aswel as their rise to superstardom. Great film, and flawless performance by Jamie Fox 🏆 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/18/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis Legendary soul musician Ray Charles is portrayed by Jamie Foxx in this Oscar-winning biopic. Young Ray watches his 7-year-old brother drown at age seven. When he loses his sight at the age of 9, his hardworking mother (Sharon Warren) urges him not to feel sorry for himself. He rises through the ranks of the Seattle jazz scene, struggling with drug addiction and infidelity while on the road. Supported by his wife (Kerry Washington), Ray Charles redefines soul music and inspires a generation.
Director
Taylor Hackford
Producer
Howard Baldwin, Stuart Benjamin, Taylor Hackford, Karen Elise Baldwin
Screenwriter
Robert Eisele, James L. White
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Crusader Entertainment LLC, Unchain My Heart Louisiana
Rating
PG-13 (Sexuality|Drug Addiction|Some Thematic Elements)
Genre
Biography, History, Drama, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 29, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$75.3M
Runtime
2h 35m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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