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Confession: Before watching "Ray", my total knowledge of the life of Ray Charles amounted to sub-"back off a fag packet" levels. He was a blind, American performer who apparently had Georgia on his mind.
As a lover of a wide variety of music, this was a situation I set about resolving ... Read review
Jamie Foxx's uncannily accurate performance isn't the only good thing aboutRay. Riding ... more
high on a wave of Oscar buzz, Foxx proved himself worthy of all the hype by portraying blind R&B legend Ray Charles in a warts-and-all performance that Charles appro...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Jamie Foxx's uncannily accurate performance isn't the only good thing aboutRay. Riding ... more
high on a wave of Oscar buzz, Foxx proved himself worthy of all the hype by portraying blind R&B legend Ray Charles in a warts-and-all performance that Charles appro...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 1995 - Drama - Director: Ang Lee - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise, Hugh Laurie, Robert Hardy
Advantages: Well acted, great music Disadvantages: Too long
...knowledge of the life of Ray Charles amounted to sub-"back off a fag packet" levels. He was a blind, American performer who apparently had Georgia on his mind.
As a lover of a wide variety of music, this was a situation I set about resolving by renting "Ray", a biopic directed by Taylor Hackford and released in 2005.
And do I know much about him after the movie? Well, to be honest, given the length ... ...so little about the real Ray Charles. However, to it's credit, the film did inspire me to do a bit of further reading and research into the life and music of this intriguing character and performer and, from what I've seen since, he does seem to capture his mannerisms and personality with almost eerie precision.
Apparently, although Foxx plays the piano himself with impressive style, the majority of the singing is actually lip-synched. ... more
"If you want to do something to make your mama proud, promise me. Promise me you won't let nobody turn you into no cripple, you won't become no charity case, and you'll stand on your own two feet."
Confession: Before watching "Ray", my total knowledge of the life of Ray Charles amounted to sub-"back off a fag packet" levels. He was a blind, American performer who apparently had Georgia on his mind.
As a lover of a wide variety of music, this was a situation I set about resolving by renting "Ray", a biopic directed by Taylor Hackford and released in 2005.
And do I know much about him after the movie? Well, to be honest, given the length of the film, I feel like I've lived my life with him. It is, it must be said, a painfully long film. That said, it does give you a real insight into his life, his career, his pain and suffering.
Born in 1930, he had the clichéd difficult upbringing - watching his brother die at four, beginning to go blind at five, losing his father at ten and his mother a decade later, this was one guy destined to sing the Blues.
The film tells the story of this childhood; of the scars both real and imaginary it left him with and of how he overcame adversity to become, as Sinatra described him "the only true genius in the business". Charles virtually invented a new genre of music - a sort of r n b/blues/country/ gospel/soul mix.
Jamie Foxx is excellent in the lead role, portraying the full spectrum of emotions Charles' experiences with style and authnticity. Whether it's a great performance or not was difficult to tell on watching as I knew so little about the real Ray Charles. However, to it's credit, the film did inspire me to do a bit of further reading and research into the life and music of this intriguing character and performer and, from what I've seen since, he does seem to capture his mannerisms and personality with almost eerie precision.
Apparently, although Foxx plays the piano himself with impressive style, the majority of the singing is actually lip-synched. For many, this would be an advantage as you get to hear the real Charles. In my opinion, howver, it kind of feels like cheating and short-changing the audience. If you want to hear a singer sing, you should buy an album. This is supposed to be somebody else's interpretation.
The other characters in the film are unremarkable and interchangeable, seeming occasionally to merge into one and existing only to tell the story of the main star of the show. Bea Robinson (Kerry Washington) and, Margie Hendricks (Regina King) put in convincing yet contrasting performances as wife and mistress respectively. Both win the audience's sympathy and to an extent their respect without really dominationg the screen or influencing the movie.
Ray Charles obviously had an interesting, dramatic life and the film concentrates on 30 years of it. However, I feel it may have been better for the film to have focussed on one particular aspect of his life. As it is, it seems to skirt around all the issues, hinting at a deeper meaning but leaving much unresolved. The effect of the death of his brother, for example, is hinted at in a couple of scenes but never really explored. The ending is also deeply unsatisfying; it feels contrived and tacky, almost as though the film-makers ran out of time, money and, worst of all, ideas.
This is the story of a life that misses out the story - it has no flow, it just comes across as a list of events. The flashback sequences are, in general, weak and provide no real connection between the audience and the young Charles.
What the film does successfully is really immerse the viewer in Ray's world of the 40s and 50s. These scenes have an genuinely authentic feel to them.
The music is good, and for this, if for no other reason, I'm glad I made the effort to watch the film. It contains a mix of tracks spanning a large part of Ray Charles' career; including "Mess Around", "Georgia on my Mind" and "Hit the Road Jack).
As an introduction to the life of an inspiring and talented musician, the film did it's job well. Unfortunately, as a piece of entertainment in it's own right, it didn't cut it for me. At two and a half hours, it manages to be both too long and too short. Too long because it tries to go in to too much of his life; some of the scenes virtually seeming to repeat themselves such as the arguments with his wife. Too short because it dips it's toes into serious and complicated issues - his upbringing, the tragedy in his life, the racism, without really exploring or explaining them.
Foxx is undoubtedly compelling, and the supporting cast adequate, though at times it does feel like his carrying the movie on his own. If you're a fan of Ray Charles, I would imagine there's not much here you wouldn't know already. If you're not, you're money would be better spent on buying some of his music. Read a book, if you want to know more because, like most Hollywood biopics, you cant be sure what is truth and what is fiction, and this film isn't really entertaining enough to care much either way.
AGE SUITABILITY
"Ray" contains little in the way of sex, violence or swearing. There are, however, several scenes involving the use of drugs.
DVD Available for £10 from Amazon, but widely available at half that price. Probably one to rent rather than buy though.
EXTRAS
A pretty poor effort on the Extras front really. There is the almost-obligatory commentary plus, unbelievably, an extended version of the film....as if 2 and a half hours isn't enough. I did start watching this extended version, however there is a pause before each deleted scene and a noticeable reduction in quality. This makes an already disjointed film almost unwatchable.
SUMMARY
Ray Charles was an extrodinarily talented performer; one of music's true geniuses. His story is an inspiring tale of one man's triumph over disability and discrimination.
The film "Ray" is, however, over-ambitious and over-long. It looks at too many aspects of his life without ever really giving much insight into any one part of it. It is certainly informative and at times engaging, but drags and seems to last much longer than the two and a half hours.
There are better biopics out there, but Foxx is outstanding and makes the film watchable. It is the music that raises the film, and just about pushes it to the three stars I've given it here.
Overall, it's an average film about an outstanding performer; it could and should have been so much more
Advantages: Superb performance by Jamie Foxx Disadvantages: Long and dull at times
Born Ray Charles Robinson in 1930 in a poor part of Georgia, the singer and pianist we know simply as Ray Charles did not have the easiest of starts in life. Cared for by his single mother, he witnessed the drowning of his brother at a young age, and by seven, was blind in both eyes. Despite this, his mother entreated him to keep working and to never let his disability get the better of him. His drive and enthusiasm for life was soon to pay dividends ... ...roses - addicted to heroin, Ray was nearly imprisoned more than once and had extra-marital affairs. Would heroin be the end of his family life? And how would it affect his musical career? I am not a big fan of biopics; the problem with the story of someone's life, however famous they are, is that more often than not, there are long boring bits that don't translate well onto the screen. However, having recently thoroughly enjoyed Will Smith's interpretation ...
sunmeilan 21.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Ray (DVD)
...story of legendary soul singer Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx), famed for songs such as "Georgia". Born into poor circumstances, Ray lost his sight at the age of 7 after the death of his brother. With the help of his mother, Ray learnt how to survive in the world, and instilled into him the determination that would guide him through his life. As time moves on, Ray uses all his skills and determination to over come both racism and prejudices against the ... ...really ever seen pictures of Ray Charles as an older man, such as his appearance in "The Blues Brothers". With this in mind, I did a bit of research on what Ray Charles was like in his younger days. Thankfully I did, because I was amazed at not only the similarity in looks between Ray Charles and Jamie Foxx but the way Foxx took on the whole persona of Charles. Prior to this I had only seen Foxx in "Any Given Sunday" and was note overly impressed ...
christianfilmcritic 26.01.2006 (28.01.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Ray (DVD)
Advantages: Stays close to reality, Jamie Foxx's amazing performance, music is brilliant, overall great Disadvantages: You might want to take a break in the middle to prevent numb-bum syndrome.
...film about the genius of Ray Charles, the musician and his life - from growing up in a poor area in Florida and slowly turning blind, to becoming one of the worlds greatest musicians. This film features excellent acting by all involved, the classic Ray Charles hits, which punctuate the performance well and a tragic but ultimately uplifting story of a man who is truly iconic.
===The DVD=== The film itself is 146 minutes long and is rated a 15 certificate. ... ...You can buy Ray on DVD from online retailers such as Play and Amazon, for differing prices. I had a quick look and at the moment Amazon's New and Used starts at £2.09
===The Story===
The film starts with Ray as a young man, waiting for a bus to take him from the country in Florida to city life in Seattle, Washington. The opening sequence sets the scene in showing the viewer that racism and predjudice in America during this time was rife and very ...
Ottavia 18.08.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Ray (DVD)
Advantages: Great biopic of the great man Ray Charles Disadvantages: a litlle long, could have been trimmed down a little
...the life and times of Ray Charles.
The film holds nothing back and I believe it to be a very accurate portrayal of the man himself, Ray Charles.
The film begins with Ray waiting at a bus stop in the middle of nowhere, it is right here that you start to feel the overtones of the film, Ray was a blind man and he was black. Jamie Foxx is an absolute genius never once in the film did I think that "oh that is Jamie Foxx look at the way he does that...etc". ... ...telling the real truths about Ray Charles. His struggle with heroin addiction. The film portrays, in the form of flashbacks, his early childhood and the death of his brother from which he feels a profound sense of guilt. As well as losing his sight at the age of seven.
Supporting actress Aretha (Sharon Warner) makes Ray junior learn how to cope with blindness teaching that no one is going to help you and the only person who will help you is himself. ...
simond25 07.08.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Ray (DVD)
Advantages: Great soundtrack Disadvantages: Sad how it all came together for Ray
...of classic artist such as Ray Charles not even Hollywood would like to darken his name to much. The man was a genius and the film only confirms what all his fans already know.
It lays heavy on the different worlds that he lived in, one on the road and one with his family at home. The film gives you a rough idea of the hardship of keeping them both seperate. Ray Charles was an outstanding artist for his time and not even the problems of the Americans ... ...is amazing how these brilliant artists come up with ideas for their songs.
Ray Charles was a gifted and talented musician and even though i have seen this movie more times than i care to mention i have still got to get around to buying it, But i will. ...
nebcsa17th 21.09.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Ray (DVD)
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Advantages: The audio is very good Disadvantages: Video is very disappointing
I bought this dvd in blue ray as it is one of my favourite movies. Tommy Lee Jones deservedly won an oscar for his role as the deputy and Harrison Ford is brilliant as Dr Kimble. It's a fast paced, intelligent film which keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.
Unfortunately I was quite disappointed in this blue ray presentation. The picture quality is dull and the colours are not as crisp as I expected. Some of the darker scenes are impoved but still look a bit grainy,
The audio is quite good and an improvement on the original dvd which I always found to be quite muffled.
It's a shame really because this is an absolutely cracking movie and it could have been done so much better. If you already have this movie on dvd I wouldn;t bother with the blue ray version. ...
Advantages: A little knowledge about musical history. Disadvantages: Overacted to some extent.
, this is indeed available on the second hand market at both Ebay and Amazon for as little as Five Pounds, and at that price is very good value.
After-taste.
It left me wanting to read about Ray Charle's life. It left me with question marks about who the man was and why he acted in the way he did, and hungry for knowledge about an artist that I have listened to for most of my life. I would have preferred perhaps a more documentary type film about the man, rather than a stumbling portrayal that left me disappointed.
The review is for film only, and yes at Five or Six Pounds will give you an insight into this man's life, although I have now invested in a book on the life of Ray Charles which I think, combined with live performances on DVD gives me a better idea of who this man is.
Rachel ...
thingywhatsit 30.09.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Ray DVD
Advantages: Wonderful performances, great soundtrack, great insight into Ray's life Disadvantages: Some unanswered questions (probably deliberate though)
answered!
It's rated 15 (UK) [PG-13 (USA)], mainly for the drug abuse scenes (though they actually work as an effective deterrent for any youngsters watching) and some sexuality.
One of the best films of 2004, in my book and many other people's.
** Though I'm reviewing the film only, I checked on Amazon.co.uk and have Ray on video for £14.99, while bizarely the DVD is only £13.99! **
If you're have an interest in black jazz musicians, a much lighter-hearted biopic of a black jazz musician is Stormy Weather, the life story of Bill Williams (stage name Bill"Bojangles" Robinson). The plot is wafer thin and just an excuse for some song and dance numbers, but it's still fantastic entertainment. (Only availalbe on video as far as I'm aware, Amazon.co.uk have it listed for £5.99.) ...
CaptainDisaster 31.05.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Ray DVD
A biopic of legendary soul and R n'B singer Ray Charles, which details his rise to fame in the 1950s and '60s. Growing up poor, black, and blind in the rural south, Charles learns under the tutelage of his tough-love mother to turn these handicaps into assets. With this training, Ray eventually plays his way into a major deal with Atlantic records and earns icon status as an American legend. Along the way, the high cost of fame leads him to engage in abusive relationships, manipulative behaviour, and struggles with drug and alcohol problems.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
UCA; CINRAM LOGISTICS (SWINDON), UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK; UNIVERSAL MUSIC OPERATIONS
Theatrical Edition, Branched Extended Edition, Feature Commentary With Director Taylor Hackford, Descriptive Audio, Extended Musical Performances, Stepping Into The Part, Ray Remembered, Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Award information
BAFTA
Best Actor 2004 (Jamie Foxx)
OSCAR
Best Actor In A Leading Role 2004 (Jamie Foxx)
Professional reviews
Review
Brilliant. A must see gem... (Sunday Mirror, )
Ray hits the Oscar road running (Sunday Telegraph, )
Jamie Foxx rocks (Total Film, )
DVD Description
Jamie Foxx stars in this biopic of legendary soul and R n' B singer Ray Charles. Skilfully edited and with a keen eye for period detail, the narrative weaves in and out of the past in an interlocking tapestry of the man's rise to fame in the 1950s and '60s. Growing up poor, black, and blind in the rural south, Charles learns under the tutelage of his tough-love mother (Sharon Warren) to turn these handicaps into assets. With this training, Ray eventually plays his way into a major deal with Atlantic records and earns icon status as an American legend. Along the way, the high cost of fame leads him to engage in abusive relationships, manipulative behaviour, and struggles with drug and alcohol problems. This is a dynamite film for the music alone (Charles's actual recordings are used in the film), but Foxx's career-benchmark performance transcends RAY's biopic roots, turning this into a piercing, full-on character study: unflinching, sometimes harrowing, and ultimately deeply moving. The sheer joy of Charles's music comes alive in Foxx's movements, and his character matures convincingly and powerfully. A stellar supporting cast is on hand to back him up every step of the way, including Larenz Tate as producer Quincy Jones, and Kerry Washington as Ray's long-suffering wife, Regina.
![Ray [DVD] [2004]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78494423.jpg)
![Ray (2 Disc Edition) [DVD] [2004]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78495597.jpg)
