If you have been a Ray Charles fan, a definite "10".

Rating: Null/10 (3 February 2005)

As a teenager in the early 1960s, I clearly remember two of the Ray Charles hits at that time, "Born To Lose" and "I Can't Stop Loving You." If I recall correctly, they were released together on sides A and B of the same 45 rpm record, something as rare as hen's teeth. I wish I still had my copy. Listening to those songs, and singing them as I went about my chores at home, forever cemented Ray Charles Robinson as a favorite of mine. I of course knew nothing of the man, other than his blindness, and had no idea that his lyrics were such a reflection of what was going on in his life.
Watching "Ray" on DVD last night, the "extended version", it is clear to see why Jamie Foxx has received an Oscar nomination for his role as Ray Charles, the singer who dropped the 'Robinson' because there already was a famous Ray Robinson, "Sugar Ray" the world champion prize fighter. It is hard to imagine someone doing a better job of becoming Ray. The movie through flashbacks shows us Ray's difficult childhood in poverty with his single mom and little brother, and how he became blind, but it is mainly the story of Ray the pianist and singer from the early 1950s through about 1965. It shows us a very determined and smart businessman, and tough boss, who had much difficulty controlling his passion for pretty women and the needle in his arm. All this while he was trying to be a happily married husband and father, with family back in first Houston, then Los Angeles.
Kerry Washington is superb as the understanding and long suffering mother and wife, Della Bea Robinson. As are the rest of the supporting cast. While Foxx does some of the singing, we mostly hear the voice of Ray Charles from his hit recordings. But Foxx is so good we have to remind ourselves that it isn't really him performing them live.
I give this movie my highest rating. In general I like films based on real lives, and since I have also been a fan of Ray Charles, this is one of the best I have seen.