Ragtime (1981) Review in 2025
Ragtime is a 1981 historical drama film that weaves together three storylines set in the early 20th century, exploring themes of social change, love, and identity.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This film is not suitable for young children due to mature themes, violence, and some strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is worth watching for fans of historical dramas and complex storytelling. However, it may not be suitable for everyone due to mature themes and some strong language.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film's narrative is structured around three main storylines: the Coalhouse Walker Jr. family's struggles with racism, the wealthy Latimer family's secrets and scandals, and the young Evelyn Nesbit's rise to fame. The storylines intersect and collide in unexpected ways, leading to a dramatic and emotionally charged conclusion.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is complex and ambitious, weaving together multiple plotlines and characters. While it can be overwhelming at times, the narrative is engaging and thought-provoking.
acting7.00/10
The acting is generally strong, with standout performances from James Cagney and James Woods. However, some actors feel miscast or underprepared for their roles.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-developed and nuanced, with each one bringing their own unique perspective to the story. However, some characters feel underutilized or one-dimensional.
direction8.00/10
Milos Forman's direction is masterful, balancing the multiple storylines and characters with ease. He brings a sense of scope and grandeur to the film, making it feel epic in scale.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, capturing the look and feel of the early 20th century with precision and attention to detail. The use of color and lighting is particularly noteworthy.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's ambitious scope, stunning cinematography, and strong performances make it a compelling watch. The story is engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of social change and identity.
Cons
The film's complexity can be overwhelming at times, and some characters feel underutilized or one-dimensional. The pacing can also feel slow in some sections.
Notable Quotes
"I am the coalhouse walker, and I am the devil."
"Love is a many-splendored thing, but it's also a many-splendored pain."
"The world is a mess, and I'm not sure I want to be a part of it."
