Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a struggling attorney and new mother who faces adversity and numerous obstacles in her fight for equal rights. When Ruth takes on a groundbreaking tax case with her husband, attorney Martin Ginsburg, she knows it could change the direction of her career and the way the courts view gender discrimination.
Cast: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Jack Reynor, Cailee Spaeny, Sam Waterston, and Kathy Bates
Release Date: December 25, 2018
Genres: Biography, Drama
Rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive content
Runtime: 2h 0min
Review:
On The Basis of Sex is an engaging if cliched bio pic that is elevated by it's direction and performances. Mimi Leder directs the film with a steady caring hand that treats it's characters with a gentle hand. Leder moves the film at a steady pace but the film would have been better served focusing on a tighter timeline since it covers a fairly large portion of Ginsburg's life. At the film's center is Felicity Jones who provides the story it's heart. Jones turn as Ginsburg captures that intensity and drive that propelled her throughout her early years. Sure her Brooklyn accent comes and in and out through the film but she does a fine job of carrying the film. A swoon worthy Armie Hammer is excellent as Ginsburg's loving and ever supportive husband. The supporting cast is made up of familiar faces along with a rare evil turn from Sam Waterston. There are a few missteps mostly due to the script which over does the schmaltz factor that makes certain sequences feel a bit too "Hollywood" which robs moments of authenticity. Still it's a solid film enough biopic of an amazing woman who deserves this type of recognition.
B+
