On The Basis of Sex

 

On The Basis Of Sex is a biographical legal drama that focuses on the early years of Ruth Bader Ginsburg; from her time at the male dominated Harvard Law School in 1956, through her first job as a professor teaching sex discrimination and the law, until her early career practicing law in the 1970s. 

The plot was interesting and engaging. They jump though time quickly though and the characters don’t age, so at times you struggle to figure it out where we are in the sequence of time. The fashion was superb. Some of the costumes worn in this movie I’d wear now.

The movie does a great job depicting the discrimination and disrespect Ruth faced in school and all throughout her career and daily life because of her gender; and her perseverance though it all. She never gave up during the ups and downs of her life including during her husband’s bout with cancer.

The cast is star studded. Rogue One’s, Felicity Jones did a pretty good job as Ruth Bader Ginsburg. My only critique is that she struggled with the accent. As an English actress her Brooklyn accent would go in a out quite a bit during the course of the film. I’m not a huge Armie Hammer fan but I enjoyed him as the ever doting, funny and supportive husband, Martin "Marty" Ginsburg. I particularly enjoyed their dynamic together. They were really able to bring to the screen a strong and loving bond. The rest of the cast also did well in their roles with Justin Theroux unrecognizable as Melvin "Mel" Wulf. Kathy Bates was a surprise addition and I found her role as the no nonsense, feminist, attorney Dorothy Kenyon rather enjoyable. Additionally, I’ve seen Sam Waterston and Stephen Root in other projects as well and thought that they both did well in their antagonist roles.

Overall this movie was well made and informative. It tugs at the heartstrings almost immediately and is well worth the watch.