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Ragtime

Ragtime

1981
Drama
2h 35m
A young black pianist becomes embroiled in the lives of an upper-class white family set among the racial tensions, infidelity, violence, and other nostalgic events in early 1900s New York City. (imdb)
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Ragtime

1981
Drama
2h 35m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 60.97% from 227 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(227)
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Rated 16 Aug 2022
90
83rd
This film isn't merely connecting the dots from one moment to the next. Instead, it evolves from an ensemble drama to a strong thematic exploration where heroes tackle society's racism, sexism, and class confinements. The best is the Coalhouse plot, which is wonderfully elevated by Howard E. Rollins's performance. It loses some points via awkward performances & a final third that slowly moves into focus. But it nails underutilized topics with a great jazz soundtrack. Highly recommended.
Rated 29 Jan 2010
91
86th
Fine direction, great score by Randy Newman. Howard Rollins is great as Coalhouse Walker. And Cagney gives his last performance in a major film.
Rated 13 Sep 2015
75
56th
A nice adaptation of the great Doctorow novel. The best thing about the film is the wonderful sets, costumes, and general recreation of pre-WWI New York. Performances were good, and it was engaging throughout its longish length.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
70
82nd
Very good.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
77th
Imperfect but underappreciated.
Rated 17 Nov 2010
86
51st
patinkin stood out for me in this historical drama....notable also as jimmy cagney's final theatrical film appearance.
Rated 16 Dec 2007
74
27th
For a very long time the film can't decide which of Doctorow's many storylines to follow. Eventually, it settles on Coalhouse Walker's story, just in time to save itself from becoming unbearably tedious. From there on, it carries on decently enough, but for about 30 minutes longer than necessary. Quite forgettable, even though I think it could be edited into something better. Definitely Forman's weakest film.
Rated 08 Jul 2010
32
21st
Drivel on an epic scale.
Rated 20 Dec 2010
58
16th
Muddled, unfocused film about racism in America circa 1906. Well produced like all of Forman's films, but full of unexplored characters which leaves a talented cast adrift. Plays best in the middle section dealing with a black man's victimisation by racist locals. Howard E. Rollins affectingly plays this character and while his motives remain clear, the film stays on track before a nonsensical final third. Also odd to see elderly Cagney in a dull role as a police chief.
Rated 22 Oct 2013
81
68th
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