“Don’t let anyone turn you into a cripple,” his mother said.  “Don’t become no charity case.  You stand on your own two feet.”

Her advice is excellent and certainly worthy of emulating, particularly in today’s entitlement-bound culture.  But the overall message of the film – that we are all alone in the world, and cannot rely on God to help – is a sad one, especially as it takes place in the African-American community, where faith in Christ has long been a strong foundation.

“Ray” will very likely to be nominated for “Best Picture” and “Best Cinematography” Oscars, among others.  “Best Soundtrack” is a given, since Charles recorded and sang the music.  Polish cinematographer Pawal Edelman, who filmed “The Pianist,” has also done an arresting job.  Particularly powerful are his flashback scenes to Ray’s childhood, with its explosive colors, as well as artistic shots like the opening one, of the piano reflected in Ray’s glasses.  And Stephen Altman’s sets, which move us from rural-poor Florida in the 40s to the big-city 60s with convincing ease, are eye-catching.

Christians will flinch at the numerous depictions of drugs and sex in this film, as well as its language, which accurately portrays the honky-tonk bars and clubs of the rhythm-and-blues movement.  That’s understandable.  But it’s hard to tell a story about sin and its consequences without showing just that, and “Ray” serves as a powerful portrayal of life without Christ – something that some people just need to see to believe.  It’s also a moving story about the ability to overcome great hardship, as well as how easy it would have been for Charles’ God-given talent to go to waste – something we might all think about.  Thus, for most, “Ray” will be more than worth the time and money. 

AUDIENCE:  Adults only

OBJECTIONABLE CONTENT:

• Drugs/Alcohol Content:   Extreme.  Incessant smoking, drug-use and drinking throughout the film, including mentions of overdoses.
• Language/Profanity:  More than 60 obscenities and a dozen profanities.
• Sexual Content/Nudity:   Multiple portrayals of premarital and adulterous sex, suggestive or lewd innuendo and partial/semi-nudity.
• Violence:   Child drowns and multiple flashbacks of death; character throws rock, smashing car windshield; character knocks over table; characters fight; character goes through drug withdrawal in hospital, experiencing severe DTs.