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Ray (DVD) Critique

Nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Image, Ray is a captivating and inspiring true story about a man beloved by millions around the globe. Based on the life and times of Ray Charles Robinson, the film follows the well-known singer's life from the earliest days of his youth to the day of his triumph over a heroin addiction. Featuring a soundtrack second to none in the background of cinema, Ray is the total package in terms of a blockbuster film - excellent characters blended with each other with an inspirational personal journey and an unforgettable musical score. Actor Jamie Foxx provides an Oscar Award winning overall performance so lifelike that it is hard to distinguish his character from the genuine Ray Charles. In brief, Ray is a film that appeals to a wide audience and a single that literally transports its viewers into an additional era jt foxx.

Jamie Foxx plays the function of Ray Charles Robinson, a black youth expanding up in Florida throughout the Wonderful Depression. Forced to deal with the tragedy of his kid brother's death, and the loss of his personal vision at a young age, Ray nonetheless triumphs more than his disability when his mother refuses to let him feel sorry for himself. Mastering to play the piano from a neighborhood musician, Ray strikes out on his personal in the late-1940s for gig in Seattle.

Ray's amazing talents are instantly recognized, and he's in no way short of a gig. Nonetheless, even though traveling on the road with a number of jazz bands, Ray starts making use of drugs, and he sooner or later becomes addicted to heroin. When Atlantic Records buys Ray's contract, Ray's profession accelerates, culminating in several quantity 1 hits. Sooner or later, Ray strikes a deal with NBC worth a lot more than any other performer of his day, and he and his wife Bea purchase a luxurious Beverly Hills property with the planet spread out ahead of them.

But things aren't as excellent as they appear. Ray's infidelities have taken a toll on his marriage, and his drug addiction threatens to ruin his family members, his connection with his youngsters, and his dealings with longtime close friends. Obtaining already achieved more than most guys, Ray Charles need to now face the greatest challenge of his life - overcoming his heroin addiction and living a clean life

Jamie Foxx is simply astounding in his portrayal of the bigger than life figure Ray Charles, and his work was far more than acknowledged by his Academy Award victory and widespread critical acclaim. But much less consideration is given to the outstanding supporting cast that surrounds Foxx. The function of the young Ray Robinson's mother, Aretha, is played by Sharon Warren with such passion that her character leaps off the screen and into one's memory as the second most influential character of the film. Aretha's dedication to her son's future and her demanding, however loving, attitude toward his self-sufficiency are admirable qualities. And the mother's influence on Ray is apparent in his drive not to be treated by the world as a cripple.

Further adding to the allure of Ray are performances by Kerry Washington (Della Bea Robinson), Regina King (Margie Hendricks), and Clifton Powell (Jeff Brown). Through the interaction of every single character, the viewer sees a reflection of the passion and driving life forces that moved Ray Charles toward his musical destiny. Ultimately, Ray is a film about relationships and dreams. The astounding heights of achievement achieved by a blind man (and a black man in a segregated society) leave the impression that any individual can accomplish any feat to which he puts his thoughts. This is the accurate gift of Ray, a feel-good film with a happy ending about a man who showed the globe that something is possible. And that's why Ray is an absolute have to-see movie