Review of Ragtime (1981) by Håvard P — 11 Jul 2009

With seminal films like "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Amadeus" on his resume, "Ragtime" may seem like a minor blip. Obviously it doesn't have the rabid following of his more celebrated films but "Ragtime" is a solid addition nonetheless. And it also serves as the Swan Song for screen legend James Cagney.

Ragtime (1981) - 7.5/10.

Director - Milos Forman.

Starring - Brad Dourif, Elizabeth McGovern, James Cagney, Howard Rollins Jr., Moses Gunn, Pat O'Brien, Mary Steenburgen, Jeff Daniels, Debbie Allen, Mandy Patinkin.

Ragtime is set in turn-of-the-century New York City and the story revolves around several families of different social classes and ethnicity. Worlds collide and people are foced to pick up the pieces in an ever-changing America. The most prominent storyline revolves around Howard Rollins Jr., a black man on a quest for justice after his car is destroyed by a racist fire chief. The film also features James Cagney, who came out of a 20 year retirement to make one last film. With so many characters and overlapping storylines it may be too tedious or confusing for most audiences, but the acting is superb and the film was thought-provoking enough to hold my interest. It may not be classic Milos Forman, but it's still pretty good.