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Ray (I) (2004)

PG-13  |   |  Biography, Drama, Music  |  29 October 2004 (USA)
7.8
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Ratings: 7.8/10 from 101,922 users   Metascore: 73/100
Reviews: 428 user | 207 critic | 40 from Metacritic.com

The story of the life and career of the legendary rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles, from his humble beginnings in the South, where he went blind at age seven, to his meteoric rise to stardom during the 1950s and 1960s.

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Title: Ray (2004)

Ray (2004) on IMDb 7.8/10

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Won 2 Oscars. Another 48 wins & 47 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

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Gossie McGee (as Terrence Dashon Howard)
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Storyline

Legendary rhythm and blues singer Ray Charles' life transpires on-screen, from his humble beginnings in Georgia, where he went blind at age seven, to his pre-fame life touring the South, and on to his career as one of the most enduring, inimitable performers in modern music. Written by IMDb Editors

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

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

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for depiction of drug addiction, sexuality and some thematic elements | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

29 October 2004 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Unchain My Heart: The Ray Charles Story  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$20,039,730 (USA) (29 October 2004)

Gross:

$15,331,100 (Europe) (25 March 2005)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (extended)

Sound Mix:

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Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Jamie Foxx played the piano in all scenes himself. See more »

Goofs

When Ray is recording "Georgia on My Mind," the conductor is conducting the wrong beats in one take. See more »

Quotes

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

Crazy Credits

The final shot of the movie contains a freeze frame of the real Ray Charles and underneath it reads the caption: "Ray Charles Robinson = 1930 - 2004" See more »

Connections

References Carmen Jones (1954) See more »

Soundtracks

What'd I Say
Written by Ray Charles
Performed by Ray Charles
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
By Arrangement with Warner Strategic Marketing
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Great movie - love the music
3 January 2005 | by (San Francisco Bay Area) – See all my reviews

Taylor Hackford wanted to make this movie for 15 years, and finally found Jamie Foxx to play the title role. Foxx is amazing in his portrayal of Ray Charles. From an interview I saw with Foxx, he met Charles several times and the two of them also played piano together (Foxx had piano lessons as a young child and actually played piano in all his scenes). I didn't see Charles live until his later years, so it was great to get a perspective on how his career developed. I hope Foxx gets nominated for the Best Actor Oscar as he certainly deserves it. The music, also, is incredible - it really showcases the breadth of Charles' music, from country to blues, and everything in between. The movie also gives an unblemished account of Ray Charles' life, from the many women he had relationships with to his drug habit and the consequences of that.


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