On the Basis of Sex
Starring: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Kathy Bates
Directed by: Mimi Leder
Rated: PG-13
On the Basis of Sex profiles the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg through various stages of her life as she slowly works her way up to one of the most important cases in American history. She begins the film as a young married woman working through law school. As time passes, she finds herself as a professor teaching on the horrors of sex discrimination in the world. With the help of her husband, she takes on a case that could topple the laws of gender inequality.
This is a very eye opening film in the way it showcases the changing landscape of society through a woman’s perspective. Director Mimi Leder does an excellent job taking the film from the early 60’s to the turbulent 70’s. Each section of the film highlights increasing change throughout the country. Despite the changing times, women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg find themselves the victims of rampant misogyny.
Felicity Jones gives an inspiring performance as Ruth Bader Ginsburg showcasing her strength and dedication to equality. (Although there are a few moments where her British accent slips through and blends in with Ruth’s Boston accent.) Early on, it seems that it would be easy for Ruth to give up on the cause. She is hit with the roadblocks of illness, unstable employment, and rampant sexism. Instead of giving up, she persists at every turn.
Armie Hammer is excellent as Martin Ginsburg, Ruth’s husband who is a brilliant tax lawyer. He constantly supported Ruth in all of her endeavors. I appreciate the way the film treated the dynamic of their relationship. Just like Ruth fought for equality between the sexes, she and Martin had a truly equal partnership.
My one issue with this film is the way it handles the timeline in the first act. It jumps from Ruth’s life at Harvard Law School to her life in New York to the 1970’s. It’s just a few jarring time jumps that leave gaps of information out of the film. We are left to put the pieces together in that timeline. Obviously, I realize RBG has led quite an incredible life and the filmmakers needed to move the pace along, but the time jumps are handled a little too frantically.
Martin and Ruth Bader Ginsburg were persistent and dedicated in the fight for gender equality. They knew it couldn’t be won in just a day, but with small wins along the way. It’s the small wins that begin to add up to major victories.
On the Basis of Sex is an important film for all women. You’ll leave the theater feeling inspired and educated.
My Rating: 8/10
*All images belong to Focus Features