Watch Ray

Ray is a biopic drama film from 2004, directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Jamie Foxx in the lead role of Ray Charles. The movie chronicles the rise and success of Ray Charles, the legendary American musician, who overcame several personal obstacles to become a music legend. The film vividly portrays the early life of Ray Charles, suffering from poverty and racial segregation in the 1930s Florida. Young Ray's life takes a turn when he goes blind at the age of seven, after accidentally witnessing his younger brother's death. Despite his blindness, Ray learns to navigate the world through his other senses, and his mother teaches him the importance of hard work and dedication.

As Ray grows up, he starts to show an interest in music, eventually attending a school for the blind where he learns to read and write music. His journey in music begins as a young pianist and becomes an accomplished musician by the time he moves to Seattle to start his recording career.

Ray Charles' success only grows as the movie progresses, showing his struggles with drugs and alcohol, personal betrayal from those close to him, and the racial tension present in the music industry of the time. Still, he rises above these difficulties and eventually gains a place in history as one of the most influential and talented musicians of all time.

In his leading role, Jamie Foxx delivers an exceptional performance as Ray Charles, embodying the man's signature style, mannerisms, and musical talents with incredible accuracy. The supporting cast, including Regina King as Margie Hendricks, and Kerry Washington as Della Bea Robinson, portray the people closest to Ray's heart with great attention to detail, making the characters feel real and authentic.

The film's visual elements are impressive and display the time period with authenticity, particularly the costumes, hairstyles, and makeup. The cinematography and editing of the film add to the raw and realistic portrayal of Ray Charles' life.

The musical score of Ray is exceptional, featuring classic tracks such as "Georgia on My Mind," "What'd I Say," and "Hit the Road Jack." The songs bring depth and emotion to the film and help illustrate how Ray Charles revolutionized the music industry with his unique style and sound.

Overall, Ray is an intense and emotional drama, which brilliantly captures the essence of the late Ray Charles. The film offers a glimpse into the man's life - his struggles, triumphs, and ultimate legacy - and delivers it with great passion, authenticity, and attention to detail, making it a classic biopic of American music history.

In conclusion, Ray is a must-see for music lovers and those interested in the biographical genre. It offers gripping storytelling, powerful performances, and exquisite production values, making it a classic within the genre. The movie captures Ray Charles' incredible life with passion and depth, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Ray is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 73.