Excellent, fast-paced drama that is based on a true story.

Rating: 9/10 (22 September 2007)

As a young boy Johnny Cash (Ridge Canipe) lived an hard life in Arkansas in a farm house with his hard working family. He has an close bond with his older brother (Lucas Till). When his brother died in a accident. Johnny's father (Robert Patrick) blames his son on the incident for not being there for his older brother. When Johhny grows up to be man (Joaquin Phoenix) and goes in the army for several years in Europe. When Johnny comes back to marry his girlfriend (Ginnifer Goodwin) and starts an family. Johnny is unhappy with his salesman job and he can't support his wife or can't pay the rent of his new house. Johnny decides to start an band with his friends (Dan John Miller and Larry Bagby) to find any work as musicians.
Until the day, when Johnny meets an music producer Sam Phillips (Dallas Roberts). Who gives Johnny and his band an chance. When they song becomes an hit on the radio. Johnny and his band are traveling with other musicians like Elvis Presley (Tyler Hilton), Jerry Lee Lewis (Waylon Malloy Payne), Roy Orbinson (Johnny Holiday) and June Carter (Resse Witherspoon). An woman, which Johnny respects this talented beautiful singer from afar. His wife feels lost without her husband and she doesn't seems to support his music abilities or doesn't care for his talent. Which Johnny is always on the road with the traveling band and he starts to be womanizer & as well for taking drugs. Now he tries to have an relationship with June, who's been in a nasty divorced. Johnny has strong feelings for June, while his marriage is falling apart and his drug habit is starting to show.
Directed by James Mangold (Copland, Heavy, Identity) made an intriguing drama that is based on a true story. This film has plenty of heart, humour and soul as well. Phoenix and Oscar-Winner:Witherspoon are excellent in their roles. Which they do their own singing as well. Phoenix also received an Oscar nomination for his performance. While his co-star Witherspoon won an Oscar for her performance. This music in the film are excellent. The picture was also nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Editing and Best Sound. This was one of the biggest hits of 2002, probably some critics might to draw similarities to "Ray". Which both movies is about music and losing family member in a unexpected tragedy. Both films are different but their excellent movies as well. Patrick and Goodwin are also strong in their memorable supporting roles.
The single DVD edition, DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an excellent DTS 5.1 Surround Sound (Also in Dolby Digital 5.1). DVD also an interesting commentary track by the director, deleted scenes with optional commentary by the trailer and trailer from the film. This film is based on two autobiography novels titled "Man in Black" and "Cash:The Autobiography". Which both books are written by cash but "Cash:The Autobiography" is co-written with Patrick Carr. If u are an big fan of Johnny Cash's music or wanting to know what was behind the man in black, who will find plenty of enjoyment with this true-life tall. Don't miss it. Also available in a 2 Disc Collector's Edition. Written by the director and Gill Dennis. Super 35. (**** ½/*****).