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Ray (2004)

Jamie Foxx stars in this biopic of legendary soul and R&B singer Ray Charles. Riding 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 approved shortly before his death in June 2004. Despite a few dramatic embellishments of actual incidents (such as the suggestion that the accidental drowning of Charles's younger brother caused all the inner demons that Charles would battle into adulthood), the film does a remarkable job of summarizing Charles's strengths as a musical innovator and his weaknesses as a philandering heroin addict who recorded some of his best songs while flying high as a kite. Foxx seems to be channeling Charles himself, and as he did with the life of Ritchie Valens in La Bamba, director Taylor Hackford gets most of the period details absolutely right as he chronicles Ray's rise from "chitlin circuit" performer in the early '50s to his much-deserved elevation to legendary status as one of the all-time great musicians. Foxx expertly lip-syncs to Ray Charles' classic recordings, but you could swear he's the real deal in a film that honors Ray Charles without sanitizing his once-messy life.

Jamie Foxx picked up a Best Actor gong for his efforts as 'The Genius'.

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Classification:

Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over

Starring:

Bokeem Woodbine, Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Aunjanue Ellis, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry J. Lennix

Director:

Taylor Hackford

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Members Reviews

Genres:

Drama

Run Time:
152 Minutes

Awards:
2004 Academy Award®: Best Actor
2004 BAFTA: Best Actor

Languages:

English

Countries:

USA

BFI Classification:
Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over

Release Date:
06/06/2005

Production Year:
2004

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen

Colour:
Colour

Special Features:

Theatrical and Extended Versions: Ray can be viewed in its original theatrical version or in an extended version with over 25 minutes of additional footage not shown in cinemas!
Audio commentary from director Taylor Hackford
Deleted scenes
'Stepping Into The Part': on-set interviews, voiceover, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Ray Charles and Jamie Foxx preparing Jamie for his incredible physical, mental and musical transformation into the character of Ray Charles
'Extended Musical Performances': two complete uncut performances of "Hit The Road Jack" and "What Kind Of Man Are You"
'More Uncut Musical Performances': seven additional complete uncut musical performances of "Hallelujah, I Love Her So", "Leave My Woman Alone", "Night Time Is The Right Time", "Unchain My Heart", "Mary Ann", "I Can't Stop Loving You", and "Hard Times".
'Filmmakers' Journey': an in-depth interview with director Taylor Hackford and his producing partner Stuart Benjamin on their 15-year journey to portray Ray Charles' musical genius and bring their vision to the screen
'Ray Remembered': friends and fellow musicians remember Ray Charles
Theatrical trailer
Photo journal
Previews