Ray (2004/I)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Taylor Hackford

Writers (WGA):

Taylor Hackford (story) and
James L. White (story) ...

Release Date:

29 October 2004 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Music

Tagline:

The extraordinary life story of Ray Charles. A man who fought harder and went farther than anyone thought possible.

Plot:

The life and career of the legendary popular music pianist, Ray Charles.

Plot Keywords:

Ray Charles | 1960s | Singer | Drugs | Racism

Awards:

Won 2 Oscars. Another 38 wins & 37 nominations

Cast

Jamie Foxx	...	Ray Charles
Kerry Washington	...	Della Bea Robinson
Regina King	...	Margie Hendricks
Clifton Powell	...	Jeff Brown
Harry Lennix	...	Joe Adams
Bokeem Woodbine	...	Fathead Newman
Aunjanue Ellis	...	Mary Ann Fisher
Sharon Warren	...	Aretha Robinson
C.J. Sanders	...	Young Ray Robinson
Curtis Armstrong	...	Ahmet Ertegun
Richard Schiff	...	Jerry Wexler
Larenz Tate	...	Quincy Jones
Terrence Howard	...	Gossie McGee (as Terrence Dashon Howard)
David Krumholtz	...	Milt Shaw
Wendell Pierce	...	Wilbur Brassfield

Also Known As:

Unchain My Heart: The Ray Charles Story (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for depiction of drug addiction, sexuality and some thematic elements.

Runtime:

152 min | USA:178 min (extended version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Certification:

Taiwan:PG-12 | India:A | Hungary:16 | Iceland:12 | South Korea:15 | Malaysia:(Banned) (theatrical) | Malaysia:U (DVD) | Sweden:11 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Brazil:16 | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Chile:TE | Finland:K-11 | Germany:12 | Hong Kong:IIB | Ireland:15 | Japan:PG-12 | Netherlands:12 | Philippines:PG-13 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:NC-16 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Zurich) | UK:15 | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

Company:

Anvil Films

Trivia:

Originally slated to be released on the first week of October 2004, but the delay at the start of editing prompted the film to be released two weeks later. According to director Taylor Hackford, the original editor quit the project one month after production started before Paul Hirsch was brought in. When Hirsch joined in, he wanted an additional two weeks to edit the earlier material (approved) and insisted to have a stand-alone work print - which became the Extended version of the film.

Goofs:

Errors in geography: When they show the state of Georgia honoring Ray at the state capitol building, it's clearly the House of Representatives in the state of Louisiana, not Georgia.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Aretha Robinson: Always remember your promise to me. Never let nobody or nothing turn you into no cripple.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse (2005)

Soundtrack:

Hit the Road Jack

What a spectacular movie!

This is one of the best movies I have seen in years. I took me to a new time and place. It was as though I was right there with Ray through his many trials and triumphs. Jamie Foxx transformed himself into Ray. During the movie he was Ray. Also, Kerry Washington, Sharon Robinson and Regina King were superb. The movie was well cast and directed, the music was fantastic.

I've seen the movie four (4) times with different people and the last time was just as enjoyable as the first time. I will buy the DVD as soon as it is released. This is a movie that will viewed over and over for years to come.

Thank you for a great experience.