On the Basis of Sex (2019) Film Review: A Powerful Biographical Drama on the Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

 

On the Basis of Sex (2019), directed by Mimi Leder, is a compelling biographical drama that chronicles the early life and legal career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one of the most influential figures in American law and the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. The film follows Ginsburg’s journey as a young lawyer and her fight against gender discrimination, culminating in her landmark case, Moritz v. Commissioner, which challenged tax laws that discriminated against women. With Felicity Jones portraying the iconic justice, the film offers an inspiring look at Ginsburg’s early battles for equality and her determination to change the system from within.

Felicity Jones’ Portrayal of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Felicity Jones delivers an impressive and empathetic performance as Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her portrayal captures the determination, intelligence, and quiet resilience that defined Ginsburg’s character. Jones manages to convey both Ginsburg’s personal struggles and professional triumphs, showing her not just as a legal genius but also as a devoted mother and wife. Through Jones’ performance, we see a woman navigating the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, dealing with personal loss, and fighting for justice in a way that was often groundbreaking for her time.

Jones’ ability to portray Ginsburg’s vulnerability and tenacity is particularly striking. The film focuses on Ginsburg’s determination to prove herself despite the societal and professional barriers she faced as a woman in the 1950s and 1960s. Her dedication to advocating for equal rights, not just for women but for all marginalized groups, is evident in every scene.

The Personal and Professional Challenges of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

The film highlights Ginsburg’s struggles, both personal and professional, as she navigates the complexities of law, family, and gender equality. Early in the film, we see Ginsburg as a student at Harvard Law School, where she faces discrimination and is often doubted by her male peers. Despite this, she excels academically and becomes one of the first women to earn a place on the prestigious Harvard Law Review. However, even after her education, Ginsburg’s struggle to gain recognition in a field that was overwhelmingly dominated by men continues. The film portrays her personal sacrifices, including the challenges of balancing her demanding career with raising children and supporting her husband, Martin Ginsburg (Armie Hammer), who is also a successful lawyer.

Ruth’s relationship with her husband, Martin, is one of the film’s emotional pillars. Armie Hammer’s portrayal of Martin is warm and supportive—he is presented not as a figure of traditional masculinity but as someone who recognizes and champions Ruth’s abilities. Their partnership is a key theme in the film, showcasing how their mutual respect and love for one another helped Ruth overcome the many obstacles she faced in her career.

The Landmark Case: Moritz v. Commissioner and the Fight for Gender Equality

The film centers on Ginsburg’s work on the case Moritz v. Commissioner, a tax case involving a man named Charles Moritz, who was denied a caregiver deduction because of his gender. The case is pivotal because it is the first time Ginsburg argues against gender-based discrimination in the law. It marks a turning point in her career and is one of the earliest steps in her long fight for equal rights for women.

In the film, we see how Ginsburg, with the help of her husband Martin, prepares for the case and challenges outdated laws that reinforce gender stereotypes. The case provides an opportunity for Ginsburg to showcase her legal strategy, arguing that the law should not treat individuals differently based on gender, whether they are men or women. The courtroom scenes are intense and dramatic, with Ginsburg presenting a well-reasoned and persuasive argument that goes on to set a precedent for future legal challenges against gender discrimination.

This case, though not as widely known as some of her later work, is critical in shaping the trajectory of Ginsburg’s legal career. It also highlights her methodical and thoughtful approach to litigation, using the law to challenge societal norms and push for equality. On the Basis of Sex thus serves as a tribute to Ginsburg’s pioneering work in the fight for civil rights and women’s equality.

The Role of Gender and Discrimination in the Film

A key element of On the Basis of Sex is its exploration of the gender-based discrimination Ginsburg faced throughout her career. The film presents a powerful commentary on the barriers women in
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