A documentary look at the great ambition of the great musician Ray Charles. Ray's life began very modest in the south, where he was blind at the age of seven and did not receive attention making him reach stardom. But he began a long struggle until he rose to stardom in a remarkable way, especially during the fifties and sixties, where he became the legend of music in his time. It is a true model of a musical legend.
Sure, it's the Jamie Foxx breakout role. But the movie around it is so systematically 'inspirational' that it comes perilously close to sabotaging the breakout.
Washington Post
October 29, 2004
Foxx does what he's supposed to. He steals his own show.
Potent and vibrant as far as the music goes, but reticent, self-conscious and pretty much stuck on unexplored surfaces when it comes to this creative giant's complex life and times.
Common Sense Media
December 28, 2010
Excellent portrayal of extraordinary musician.
New York Observer
November 04, 2004
Jamie Foxx's all-encompassing performance in the title role more than justifies the early Oscar gossip it has generated.
