Ray

Die Oscar-Nominierung für den besten Film ist nur eine politische Angelegenheit. Der Film wurde präzise gedreht, die Musiknummern sind toll geschnitten und Jamie Foxx reflektiert genial alle physischen sowie psychischen Zustände seiner Figur. Die Länge des Drehbuchs würde aber ohne ihn und ohne den Kameramann auch den gedopten Ray Charles einschläfern. Eine schöne Erinnerung an einen großen Musiker (in der man auch Parallelen zum eigenen Leben findet). Es ist aber bei weitem kein großes Filmerlebnis. (09.02.2005)

Solid craftsmanship, breathing the atmosphere of the 1950s and 60s, but a conventionally conceived and cinematically unexceptional biopic of a musical genius (Hackford's Oscar nomination is a bit mysterious to me). Despite the presence of two or three poignant scenes from Charles' childhood, the glimpses into his life left me emotionally cold, although Ray's colourful life urged otherwise, but the fantastic musical numbers compensate for that (the absolute killer "The Mess Around" in the rehearsal studio, the improvisation on "Baby, It's Alright", the circumstances of the creation and the song "Hit the Road, Jack", and many more), they kick the viewer into gear and beat flawlessly to the beats of R’n’B. Foxx does a great imitation of a great piano virtuoso and I fully believed him as a soul star. Final rating: three and a half stars, rounded down this time due to the high expectations. (09.02.2005)

I would call it craftsmanship. Some scenes were unnecessary, the flashbacks of youth were touching and engaging, but not extremely important. However, it is incredible how riveting an ordinary recording session in a studio is in Hackford's delivery, for example. If the best scenes in a film about a great musician are the ones where music takes center stage, at least in this aspect, everything is fine. (08.02.2005)

This is exactly the type of movie where an actor can show off their skills. An interesting and well-known character, who did not have an easy fate (blindness, drug problems, infidelity), plus he is a singer. So it will really require a capable actor. And Jamie Foxx has shown that, truly delivering a life-changing performance. Incredibly believable, with a great voice, and everything in favor of the movie. It is well built on its own, and the flashbacks are well connected to the present storyline. Yes, it is still just a biopic, but the viewer learns everything important. Excellent acting. (13.03.2014)