When Ruth Steps Up #On_The_Basis_Of_Sex #movie_review

Gender equality wasn’t always equal.

On the Basis of Sex tells an important part of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life (Felicity Jones) from her first days at Harvard Law School through her appearance at the 10th Appellate Court, fighting for Charlie Moritz’s tax case.

​Like many recent biopic’s, On the Basis focuses on a small period of Ruth’s life—the part which set her on the road to the Supreme Court. We see the strong woman who took on not only law school as a wife and mother but attended both her classes and her husband’s (Martin Ginsburg- Armie Hammer) classes when he developed testicular cancer. This is a woman who no matter what setbacks she faced, she pushed through them.

​First time screenwriter, Daniel Stiepleman, is Ruth Bader Ginsburg's nephew and met with her and Jane (Ruth’s daughter) to go over the details in the script. But even with the first hand insights, artistic license was taken with the story. However, Daniel’s lack of experience shows in the storytelling. As well, director, Mimi Leder, has more experience with TV dramas (ER and China Beach) and On the Basis of Sex comes off more as a made for TV movie. 

​Even with these glaring issues, On the Basis of Sex is an important look at an iconic woman and the battle she began for equality for all, but especially for women. You should see it with your tribe of women and celebrate the huge changes which came about due to the work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.