 RAY
MPAA Rating:
 for depiction of drug addiction, sexuality and some thematic elementsReviewed by: Rosemarie Ute Hoffman Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
 Primary Audience:
Adults, Teens
Genre:
Drama, Musical Performing Arts
Year of Release:
2004
USA Release:
______
   “The extraordinary life story of Ray Charles. A man who fought harder and went farther than anyone thought possible.” Producer’s Synopsis: “This is the musical biographical drama of American legend Ray Charles. Born in a poor town in Georgia, Ray Charles went blind at the age of seven shortly after witnessing his younger brother’s accidental death. Inspired by a fiercely independent mother who insisted he make his own way in the world, Charles found his calling and his gift behind a piano keyboard. Touring across the Southern musical circuit, the soulful singer gained a reputation and then exploded with worldwide fame when he pioneered incorporating gospel, country, jazz and orchestral influences into his inimitable style. As he revolutionized the way people appreciated music, he simultaneously fought segregation in the very clubs that launched him and championed artists' rights within the corporate music business. 'Ray' provides an portrait of Charles' musical genius as he overcomes drug addiction while transforming into one of this country’s most beloved performers.” Review: Ray is a compelling biographical drama of Ray Charles Robinson that will have you mesmerized due to Jaime Foxx’s realistic representation. Foxx’s classical training on the piano lend to his brilliant performance. As a young boy at age seven, Ray Charles becomes blind, but more alarming, he turns into a cripple as an adult from the wiles of the world - sex and drugs. As his life progresses, Ray becomes painstakingly more immobilized with his addictions. However, recovery and restoration are attained, but only when he reaches the bottom - facing federal jail time. It is only then that he starts to push himself through physically, psychologically, and spiritually to find true peace. Throughout the film, there are mysterious depictions of water and a dead body — a haunting of the premature death of Ray’s younger brother, George. Ray also has frequent flashbacks of his life on the farm with his mother. It is only after Ray’s recovery, as a drug addict, that he finally makes good on his promise to his mother. As a blind black man in the 1950's, Ray eagerly sets out to share his passion of music with America. His quick-witted nature develops into good business strategy later on in his career. Still, his disability often made him feel like an outsider, even among his peers. It was not long before Ray hooked up with a seedy manager and band members who saw him as nothing more then their “golden goose.” They were greedy, womanizers, and drug addicts, but Ray chose to live in their world. During this flesh-pleasing season of his life, there are many disturbing scenes of excessive drug use and conversations with sexual overtones. Not only does the movie show the use of heroine and its paraphernalia, it also illustrates the smoking of marijuana. One of the few uplifting events is when Ray is alone “having church” while reading the Bible in braille with Gospel music playing in the background. It is then that a representative (Curtis Armstrong) from Atlantic Records pays him a visit to make a deal. Signing with Atlantic Records proves to be a success. It is a nurturing environment where Ray finds his own unique style and expresses it — blending Gospel with Rhythm and Blues. Though some dubbed him an innovator, there were many who opposed his misuse of God’s music for sex as sacrilegious. Although, this would not be the only time Ray would experience opposition. The state of Georgia banned Ray Charles from performing there for life because he refused to entertain to a segregated audience. It is here that Ray finds his inner voice speaking out loudly and boldly. The ban was reversed in 1979 and done with a public apology, and with a proclamation that the state song would be Georgia on My Mind. A hard lesson was learned early on when a young Ray falls in his family’s one room shack crying for help, while only a few steps away stood his silenced mother. At that instant, he finds an inner strength to rise, and turns up the dials on his remaining senses. This laid the foundation and gave Ray the strength to carry himself through to live successfully with his blindness. And, with diligence and persistence, his mother instills in him that the world would not be so forgiving, and that he would have to do things for himself regardless. Ray was in love with his wife (Kerry Washington), but with the antics of the flesh coupled with negative influences quickly changed a dedicated man into a man who lived two lives. While he financially takes care of his family and occasionally visits the home front, most of his time is on the road touring and committing adultery with various women. One of the women in the band, Marjorie (Regina King) becomes pregnant with his son. She later dies from a drug overdose, which had a profound effect on him. Ray Charles Robinson was born with a gift to reach beyond his small town borders, and as he set out to fulfill his destiny he discovered false securities. Nevertheless, he found his way back to where he had begun, with a promise in his heart and love to carry him through it all. God’s Word reminds us also of His promise in our hearts, and love to carry us through.
Violence: Minor Profanity: Moderate Sex/Nudity: Moderate  Positive - Ray depicts the life of the singer Ray Charles in every aspect.
His life was not one that would be defined as moral or righteous. But his
life was filled with many obstacles such as witnessing his brother’s
death, going blind and falling to the way side by indulging in drugs and
adulterous affairs. It seems that his fall was based upon his desire to
escape the pain of blaming himself for his brother’s death. This is a
real life story which can be used to examine the pitfalls of turning to
people or drugs to ease our pains. It can, also, be used to show what can
be accomplished in spite of our handicaps. Negative - This movie had fabulous performances, but horrible editing. Whatever you do, do NOT watch the extended version. Even the regular version was just way way too long, and the story was all over the place. Your kids would be bored to death, and to be honest, adults will be, too; I actually fell in and out of sleep during chunks of this movie and did not actually see it’s entirety, but I have a feeling I didn’t miss much. The actors all gave amazingly believable performances though and definitely deserve kudos for this. If you can appreciate a movie for purely the actors performances then go see this. If not, don’t bother. Negative - I did not view the entire movie “Ray.” I shut it off half way through. I think we have become so “sophisticated” as Christians that we forget the words of David “I will set no vile thing before my eyes.” and the words of Paul “It is shameful even to mention what the wicked do in secret.” Garbage in = garbage out of our lives. Positive - Because of the issues of sexual sin and drug addiction, this would certainly not be a film
suited for the younger or immature audience. That being established, I personally feel it is
an excellent study in how a naive young man can be drawn into serious sins when he finds himself
in the spotlight with enormous talent and cheering fans…and then corrects his course through
determination and re-dedication. Reminds me of certain Biblical accounts. Should we not be
cautious in our readiness to judge? Additionally, the film IS a biography of a very well known and
generally admired American. We should draw wisdom from the study of how others recover from
their sins…again, as from Scripture or in local support groups dealing with personal and marital
problems. Positive - It is refreshing in that it does not sugarcoat any aspect of his
life, despite the fact that Mr. Charles was still alive while it was being
filmed. Jamie Foxx does an excellent job. The famed musician’s life is a
journey that eventually leads him home in a sense. It reminded me of the
story of the prodigal son, who has to learn the hard way that following
the world and living for the world brings nothing but heartaches. A good
film for discussion about being in the world, but not of it. Positive - This is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. I was
surprised that it wasn’t rated “R” with all the sexual and drug content.
(I definitely wouldn’t let my 13 yr. old see it and he’s pretty mature for
his age.) I realize the content was necessary to accurately portray Ray
Charles' life, but should have earned a higher rating. With that said,
Ray is sad, funny and very moving. Jamie Foxx did an amazing job!! It’s a
movie you won’t soon forget. Negative - Well, I almost finished watching this long movie. What a depressing life this guy led. I feel sorry for him now more than I appreciate his music. As I was watching this Academy Award nominee, all I kept thinking was 'what a travesty that this movie was nominated and “The Passion” was not.' I can only hope there was a happy ending, but I was too bored to stick around and find out. Positive - Jamie Foxx deserves an Oscar nomination for his performance as Ray
Charles in “Ray.” That is the best thing I can say about the movie. I am
not personally a fan of Ray Charles. And this film does have offenses for
the christian viewer such as drug use. But overall, mature viewers will
probably be caught up in this interesting story about Ray Charles and his
music. The plot is worthwhile, the music is performed well and the acting
is great. And there is even an element of redemption in the story. Worth
watching, even if you are not a Ray Charles fan. Negative - I watched this movie expecting to see a biography on the life of a wonderful musician, but sex, drugs and profanity were the only thing displayed. I was very offended. Positive - This is one of the best films I’ve ever seen in my life. The acting is incredible. Jamie Foxx deserves not just the nomination, but the Oscar for best actor. Also, there were numerous moments in the movie that
brought me to tears. Well worth viewing. Neutral - Ray is by far one of the best biopics that I have ever seen. Though not completely accurate (Ray Charles was an even worse adulterer than shown), it doesn’t attempt to show Ray Charles as anything other than what he was: a very gifted musician who’s sin almost destroyed his life and the lives of those around him. Jamie Foxx deserved the Best Actor award he won. It was a fabulous performance. Movie Critics
“…The performance is sure to garner a Best Actor nomination for Foxx…” “…it never once crosses your mind that you’re watching an actor play Ray Charles…” “…the music is simply glorious…” “…Definitely worth watching…” |
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