On the Basis of Sex

On the Basis of Sex, released in 2018, is an engaging courtroom drama that intimately explores the life and early career of pioneering Supreme Court Justice and women's rights icon, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The film features the gripping talents of Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, and Justin Theroux, each delivering compelling portrayals, rendering a cinematic homage to one of the most instrumental figures in American legal history.

Felicity Jones steps into the formidable shoes of Ginsburg, brilliantly embodying her character's idiosyncrasies and strengths. Jones brings an air of steely determination and wit to her role, immersing herself in Ginsburg's tireless commitment to justice and her relentless pursuit for equal rights. Armie Hammer demonstrates his versatile acting talent through his portrayal of Martin Ginsburg, Ruth's supportive husband, whose dedication and love for his groundbreaking wife rounds off the film's heart. Justin Theroux completes this star-studded cast, embodying the role of Mel Wulf, a significant character in Ginsburg's professional life.

Set in an era when gender discrimination was both blatant and widespread, On the Basis of Sex uncovers the early struggles and triumphs of Ginsburg that paved the way for her rise to the Supreme Court. The narrative begins by focusing on Ginsburg's time as one of the few female students at Harvard Law School in the late 1950s. Her Harvard years are underscored by Jones' cathartic portrayal of the challenges and porosities Ginsburg navigated as she relentlessly pursued her law degree in a male-dominated environment.

The movie, then, transitions to the heart of its narrative: Ginsburg’s early days as a professor at Rutgers Law School and her landmark case Moritz v. Commissioner, which laid the foundation for a historical legal push towards gender equality. The audience gets an intricate look into how Ginsburg, aided by her husband Martin and with support from the American Civil Liberties Union, challenges a tax law that treats men and women differently in a landmark gender-discrimination case. This case marks Ginsburg's first foray into litigating before appellate courts and sets a precedent for future gender-equality rulings.

On the Basis of Sex is an intimate character study with the American legal system as its dramatic backdrop. It lays bare the blatant sex-based biases embedded therein and celebrates the protagonist's tireless fight against them. Despite dealing with some complex legal issues, the movie does an excellent job of making the content accessible to those unfamiliar with legal speak. The direction and screenplay effectively distill the intricate proceedings of court cases and legal arguments into comprehensible elements for viewers.

With a slew of powerful speeches and gripping courtroom scenes, the movie builds up to its climactic courtroom showdown, where Ginsburg makes her case against gender discrimination before a panel of male judges. The courtroom drama fully demonstrates the systemic sexism of the era while echoing Ginsburg's determination and resilience.

Apart from exploring Ginsburg’s professional life, On the Basis of Sex also tenderly portrays her personal life, shedding light on her profound bond with her husband, Martin Ginsburg, and their children. The film touches upon Ginsburg's extraordinary marriage that defied the traditional relationship norms of the 1950s and 60s, showing how supportive and progressive Martin was, both as a partner and as a father.

Indeed, On the Basis of Sex is a compelling portrayal of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life and career, giving ample justice to her monumental contribution to gender equality in the United States. The nuanced performances by Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, and Justin Theroux add an extra touch of brilliance to the film and brings its powerful narrative to life. The film leaves a lingering impression of Ginsburg's courage and resilience in the face of adversity and paints an inspiring picture of a woman who dedicated her life to dismantling gender-based discrimination, one case at a time.