Ragtime

"+ A vibrant, moving portrait of the early 20th Century melting pot of native white and black America, and fringe immigrant life in their struggle to live together and explore the early stages of their conscience and identity as a nation. Ragtime takes place mostly in New York and is made in the style of characters who live through interconnecting events and is largely story centered as opposed to plot. Though it ends in wonderful, heartbreaking fashion that almost seems prophetic considering the condition of the times, it never feels as if on linear train tracks taking you through from point A-to C. With gorgeous production and lavish design it comes alive like a vast canvas of open white space being covered with beautiful hues of human life. It's carried with the power of a tremendous ensemble, and a standout performance by Howard Rollins. It also showcases the talent of the late director Milos Forman, who makes probably his most humane movie (though I have yet to see his previous work in his native country). He was most definitely a realized vessel of compassion and non-judgement, and this movie is a must-see overlooked gem. - Because of the narrative style, it may take some time to acclimate to the pacing of the story and the relationships between the characters. Noteworthy: The first 30 minutes jump around with no clear plot to keep it firmly grounded, but as I spent more time with the characters and came to the music of how the movie unfolds even the negative balanced out, and even may work better upon multiple viewings. This movie is a feast in nearly every cinematic respect. It deserves to be rediscovered. Underrated, underappreciated, and overlooked."