Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
Director: Taylor Hackford, Umbrella Entertainment.
Described as an extraordinary life story, this is an inspiring American biographical film (2004) of the legendary rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles.
It’s an exhilarating chronicle of the life and career of Charles, from his humble beginnings, going blind at seven years of age to his meteoric rise to stardom during the 1950s and 1960s.
Ray stars Academy Award-winning Jamie Foxx (Collateral, Any Given Sunday), who excels in the title role. He embraces the character, giving a convincing performance as the progressive prodigy pianist who battled prejudice and drugs for much of his life and career. Foxx implies Ray’s intricacies in a high-spirited accomplishment: being on display, but not overstated.
Other standout performances come from Kerry Washington (The Human Stain, Scandal), Regina King (A Cinderella Story) and Wendell Pierce (The Wire).
Born in Albany, Georgia, but raised in Florida, he overcame impossible odds to become a music legend. Ray delivers on triumph over adversity.
Directed and co-written by Taylor Hackford (An Officer And A Gentleman) Ray traces the rise and rise of Charles from his struggle-town start in the 1930s. It becomes obvious: music was Charles’ salvation away from poverty, family tragedy and blindness, of course, at a tender age.
From humble beginnings to international stardom, this is an entertaining film about a lasting melodious legacy. The music is excellent, though nostalgic. The film, worth viewing in Blu-ray, won two Oscars including Best Actor for Foxx.
What was the year of Ray’s release? If your answer is correct, then you could win one Blu-ray copy of Ray. Entries should be sent to [email protected] by Monday, 2 November 2020. Names of the winners will be announced in Frank Cassidy’s PS-sssst…! column on 3 November 2020.
