Released in 2018,On the Basis of Sexis a powerful biographical drama that tells the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s early legal career and her fight against gender discrimination in the United States. The film is more than just a courtroom drama it is a portrait of a determined woman confronting deeply embedded societal biases. As a narrative centered around one of the most influential Supreme Court justices in American history, the movie explores how gender-based laws affected countless lives and how one legal mind sought to dismantle them piece by piece. With themes of justice, perseverance, and equality,On the Basis of Sexcaptures the spirit of a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights.
The Story Behind the Title
The phrase ‘on the basis of sex’ refers to the language used in discriminatory laws and legal arguments that Ruth Bader Ginsburg challenged. The title cleverly underscores the central issue tackled in the film laws that treated individuals differently simply because of their gender. Ginsburg aimed to prove that such laws violated the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. Her work laid the foundation for future legal battles that would reshape how gender discrimination was viewed in the courts.
Plot Overview
The film begins in the 1950s with Ruth Bader Ginsburg entering Harvard Law School as one of only a handful of women in her class. Despite excelling academically, she faces constant obstacles, including condescending professors and limited job opportunities due to her gender. After transferring to Columbia Law School and graduating at the top of her class, she still struggles to find work as a lawyer. Eventually, she becomes a professor at Rutgers Law School, teaching gender discrimination law an area she would later help redefine.
The central legal case in the film involves Charles Moritz, a man who was denied a caregiver tax deduction because the law only allowed women to claim it. Ginsburg realizes this case could be the key to attacking gender discrimination not just from a woman’s perspective, but from a broader legal standpoint. By proving that gender-based laws harm both men and women, she hopes to create a precedent that can challenge similar discriminatory statutes.
Key Characters and Performances
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones)
Felicity Jones plays the role of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a mix of grace, strength, and determination. Her portrayal captures the justice’s quiet intensity and brilliant legal mind. Jones effectively conveys Ruth’s struggles not only as a lawyer but also as a wife and mother trying to balance her personal life with her professional ambitions.
Marty Ginsburg (Armie Hammer)
As Ruth’s supportive husband, Marty Ginsburg serves as both a partner and an ally. Armie Hammer brings warmth and charisma to the role, highlighting the unique bond the couple shared. Marty’s own legal career takes a backseat as he encourages Ruth to follow her path, and his unwavering support is one of the emotional anchors of the film.
Mel Wulf and the ACLU
Justin Theroux plays Mel Wulf, the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who helps Ruth bring the Moritz case to court. The ACLU’s involvement underscores the broader civil rights implications of Ruth’s work and gives the film a historical foundation rooted in legal activism.
Legal and Social Significance
On the Basis of Sexis not just a historical drama it’s a lesson in legal strategy and constitutional law. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s approach wasn’t about bold confrontation; it was about logic, precedent, and careful dismantling of long-standing discriminatory practices. Her method was to take incremental steps, using narrow cases to set wider precedents. The film illustrates how a single legal argument, if well crafted, can ripple across decades of jurisprudence.
Impact on Gender Discrimination Law
Ruth’s argument in the Moritz case was revolutionary because it demonstrated that gender discrimination affected men as well as women. By proving that the law discriminated against Charles Moritz because he was male, she laid the groundwork for more inclusive and equal protection under the law. This strategy opened doors for future challenges to gender-based discrimination in areas like employment, education, and healthcare.
Relevance Today
Although set in the 1950s and 1970s, the issues raised inOn the Basis of Sexremain highly relevant. Debates about gender roles, workplace equality, and systemic bias are still ongoing. The film reminds viewers that many of the rights and protections we take for granted today were not always guaranteed. It also shows the importance of perseverance and how individuals can make lasting change through the legal system.
Cinematic Style and Direction
Directed by Mimi Leder, the film takes a straightforward but emotionally resonant approach to storytelling. The cinematography captures the time period effectively, using costume, lighting, and set design to evoke the mid-20th century without overwhelming the narrative. The courtroom scenes are particularly compelling, showing how legal arguments can be as thrilling as any dramatic showdown.
Emotional Resonance
What setsOn the Basis of Sexapart is its emotional core. The film never loses sight of the personal stakes involved. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is not portrayed as a flawless icon but as a human being with doubts, fears, and real-world pressures. Her relationship with her daughter Jane, who challenges her mother’s views on feminism and activism, adds another layer of emotional complexity and relevance to modern audiences.
The Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
By the time she became a Supreme Court Justice in 1993, Ruth Bader Ginsburg had already transformed the landscape of American civil rights law.On the Basis of Sexhighlights the foundational period of that journey, focusing on her intellect, her moral clarity, and her strategic brilliance. Her legacy is not just in the cases she won, but in the generations of lawyers and citizens she inspired.
- She helped strike down laws based on outdated gender roles.
- She showed that legal change can begin with small, focused cases.
- She became a cultural icon, representing justice and equality.
A Film That Inspires and Educates
On the Basis of Sexis more than a biopic. It’s an inspiring look at how one woman’s intellect and determination helped redefine justice in America. The film stands as a tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s early battles and to the power of law as a tool for change. Whether you’re interested in civil rights, legal history, or simply enjoy compelling storytelling, this movie delivers a thoughtful and emotionally engaging experience. In highlighting a legal case that changed lives, the film encourages viewers to consider their own role in shaping a more equal and fair society.