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Ray (2004)

PG-13 | | Biography, Drama, Music | 29 October 2004 (USA)
Ray Poster
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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.

Director:

Taylor Hackford

Writers:

Taylor Hackford (story), James L. White (story) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington | See full cast & crew »
73
Reviews
Popularity
1,885 ( 266)
Won 2 Oscars. Another 52 wins & 54 nominations. See more awards »

Videos

See all 2 videos  »

Photos

See all 53 photos »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jamie Foxx ... Ray Charles
Kerry Washington ... Della Bea Robinson
Regina King ... Margie Hendricks
Clifton Powell ... Jeff Brown
Harry Lennix ... Joe Adams
Bokeem Woodbine ... Fathead Newman
Aunjanue Ellis ... Mary Ann Fisher
Sharon Warren ... Aretha Robinson
C.J. Sanders ... Young Ray Robinson
Curtis Armstrong ... Ahmet Ertegun
Richard Schiff ... Jerry Wexler
Larenz Tate ... Quincy Jones
Terrence Howard ... Gossie McGee (as Terrence Dashon Howard)
David Krumholtz ... Milt Shaw
Wendell Pierce ... Wilbur Brassfield
See full cast »
Edit

Storyline

The story of Ray Charles, music legend. Told in his adult live with flashbacks to his youth we see his humble origins in Florida, his turbulent childhood which included losing his brother and then his sight, his rise as pianist in a touring band, his writing his own songs and running his own band and then stardom. Also includes his addiction to drugs and its affect on his working life and family life. Written by grantss

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

rhythm and blues | band | drugs | singer | 1960s | See All (276) »

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:

View content advisory »
Edit

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 October 2004 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Unchain My Heart: The Ray Charles Story See more »

Filming Locations:

Laurel Valley, Thibodaux, Louisiana, USA See more »
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Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$20,039,730, 31 October 2004, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$75,331,600

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$124,731,534
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Bristol Bay Productions, Anvil Films See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (extended)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

All singing was the voice of Ray Charles, despite Jamie Foxx's uncanny impersonation. See more »

Goofs

They show Ray his new recording studio, which uses fluorescent lighting throughout. Fluorescent lighting is generally not used in recording studios as it can cause a hum in recordings. 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

Ray Charles is survived by 12 children, 21 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. See more »

Alternate Versions

Universal Pictures Oscar Edition contains Extended Cut of the film. See more »

Connections

References Stalag 17 (1953) See more »

Soundtracks

Born to Lose
Written by Ted Daffan
Performed by Ray Charles
Courtesy of Ray Charles Enterprises
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Ray Charles go blind?
See more »

User Reviews

 
What a spectacular movie!
13 December 2004 | by goodenlana – See all my reviews

This is one of the best movies I have seen in years. I took me to a new time and place. It was as though I was right there with Ray through his many trials and triumphs. Jamie Foxx transformed himself into Ray. During the movie he was Ray. Also, Kerry Washington, Sharon Robinson and Regina King were superb. The movie was well cast and directed, the music was fantastic.

I've seen the movie four (4) times with different people and the last time was just as enjoyable as the first time. I will buy the DVD as soon as it is released. This is a movie that will viewed over and over for years to come.

Thank you for a great experience.
82 of 114 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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