🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Mimi Leder
- Genre: Biography, Drama, History
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 2h 0min
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10 (48K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A tiny woman yells at some old dudes about taxes until they begrudgingly let ladies do stuff.
🍿 On the Basis of Sex: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Early Life and Law School
The film opens in 1956, showcasing Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s (Felicity Jones) entry into Harvard Law School, where she is one of only nine women in a class of over 500 men. Ruth faces subtle but persistent sexism from the dean and professors, emphasizing the challenges women faced in the legal field during this era. She balances her studies with caring for her husband, Martin Ginsburg (Armie Hammer), and their young daughter, Jane.
Professional Obstacles
Despite graduating at the top of her class, Ruth encounters significant difficulty finding employment at a law firm solely due to her gender. This leads her to accept a teaching position at Rutgers Law School, where she begins to specialize in sex discrimination law. This experience fuels her passion for advocating for gender equality and challenging discriminatory laws.
The Moritz Case
In 1970, Martin brings to Ruth’s attention the case of Charles Moritz, a man denied a tax deduction for caregiver expenses because the law only allowed it for women. Ruth recognizes this as an opportunity to challenge gender discrimination, arguing that it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Together, Ruth and Martin decide to take on the case, with Ruth focusing on the legal arguments against gender bias.
Preparing for Court
As Ruth prepares for the Moritz case, she faces skepticism and resistance from the ACLU. She seeks guidance from veteran civil rights lawyer Dorothy Kenyon, who provides valuable insights. Ruth struggles to find her voice and overcome her initial nervousness, particularly during a practice moot court session. Her daughter, Jane, inspires her to become a more forceful advocate.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones): A determined and intelligent lawyer who faces gender discrimination while fighting for equal rights.
- Martin Ginsburg (Armie Hammer): Ruth’s supportive husband and a successful tax lawyer who champions her career and equal rights cause.
- Mel Wulf (Justin Theroux): A lawyer at the ACLU who initially hesitates but later supports Ruth’s fight against sex discrimination.
- Erwin Griswold (Sam Waterston): The Dean of Harvard Law School who embodies the institutional sexism that Ruth faces.
- Dorothy Kenyon (Kathy Bates): A seasoned civil rights litigator who inspires and influences Ruth’s legal strategy.
- Charles Moritz (Chris Mulkey): The plaintiff in a tax law case who becomes a symbol of reverse discrimination and a catalyst for Ruth’s legal career.
- James H. Bozarth (Jack Reynor): The Department of Justice attorney who opposes Ruth in court, representing the status quo of gender inequality.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.” – This powerful statement encapsulates Ginsburg’s plea for equality, delivered with quiet strength.
- Professor Freund: “A court ought not be affected by the weather of the day, but will be by the climate of the era.” – Highlights the importance of interpreting laws in the context of societal evolution.
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “Discrimination on the basis of sex is unconstitutional.” – Simple but powerful quote used during her appeal for Moritz’s case.
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “The word ‘woman’ is not in the Constitution, and neither is the word ‘freedom’.” – Said during the appeal, as a response to the judge who said, ‘the Constitution does not contain the word ‘woman”
💰Box Office
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $24,704,837
- Worldwide Gross: $38,755,968
💥 On the Basis of Sex Reviews
Personal Review
I found ‘On the Basis of Sex’ to be a really inspiring movie, especially seeing how much RBG had to overcome just to be taken seriously. The courtroom scenes were gripping, and I was on the edge of my seat! It’s amazing how one case could set a precedent for so much change, and I left feeling empowered and grateful for her work.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of historical dramas”
- “Viewers interested in legal stories”
- “Those seeking inspiring stories of overcoming adversity”
- “Anyone interested in the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Discussions of sexism and discrimination”
- “Brief references to illness (cancer)”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “A respectful, if somewhat conventional, biopic that highlights Ginsburg’s early struggles with gender discrimination and her groundbreaking legal arguments. Felicity Jones delivers a solid performance, capturing Ginsburg’s quiet determination.
- Variety: “While competently made and well-intentioned, ‘On the Basis of Sex’ lacks the spark and depth to truly capture the brilliance and complexity of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The film plays it safe, resulting in a predictable and less impactful story.
- The Guardian: “Felicity Jones is miscast. Lacks the gravitas needed for role. An OK film that could have been so much more
Audience Reactions
Felicity Jones’s performance as RBG was inspiring.: Most viewers appreciated the film as an accessible introduction to RBG’s early career and fight for gender equality.
The film effectively highlights RBG’s determination and perseverance.: Many praised the portrayal of RBG’s supportive marriage and how it influenced her career.
Overall Consensus: A well-intentioned but somewhat formulaic biopic that effectively showcases Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s early legal battles and the pervasive sexism she faced.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film’s writer, Daniel Stiepleman, is actually Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s nephew, ensuring a personal connection to the story.”
- “Felicity Jones studied Ginsburg’s speaking patterns and mannerisms extensively to accurately portray her, including adopting a slight Brooklyn accent.”
- “The filmmakers aimed to depict not just Ginsburg’s legal battles, but also the strong and supportive partnership she shared with her husband, Martin Ginsburg.”
🖥️ How to Watch On the Basis of Sex?
On the Basis of Sex is available to stream on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable options as well.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed On the Basis of Sex, you might like these similar films:
- RBG (2018): A documentary providing a comprehensive look at Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life and career, offering real-life footage and insights.
- Suffragette (2015): Depicts the early 20th-century women’s suffrage movement in Britain, showcasing the struggles and sacrifices made in the fight for women’s rights.
- Hidden Figures (2016): Tells the story of African-American women mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race, highlighting their contributions in a male-dominated field and their fight against racial and gender discrimination.
- Erin Brockovich (2000): Features a determined woman fighting against a powerful corporation to bring justice to a community affected by environmental pollution.
- Miss Representation (2011): A documentary that explores the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.
🛒 On the Basis of Sex Related Products
- RBG [Blu-ray]: The Oscar-nominated documentary offers an intimate look at RBG’s life and career, providing additional context to the events depicted in the film. A must-have for true RBG fans!
- Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Journey to Justice: A children’s book detailing RBG’s inspiring journey from childhood to Supreme Court Justice. Teaches children about perseverance and standing up for what’s right.
- Notorious RBG T-Shirt: Show your support for RBG with this popular t-shirt featuring the ‘Notorious RBG’ moniker. A stylish way to celebrate her legacy.
- Funko POP! Heroes: Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Add this collectible Funko Pop! figure to your collection and honor the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A great gift for fans of all ages.
🎧 Soundtrack
On the Basis of Sex features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, On the Basis of Sex is based on the early career and life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, focusing on her struggle for gender equality and her landmark Moritz v. Commissioner case.
Moritz v. Commissioner was a tax law case in which a man, Charles Moritz, was denied a tax deduction for caregiver expenses because the law only allowed it for women. Ruth Bader Ginsburg used this case to challenge gender discrimination, arguing that it violated the Equal Protection Clause.
On the Basis of Sex is available for streaming on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. You can also rent or purchase it on these platforms.
🔥 Bonus Content
Kesha on Writing First Movie Song ‘Here Comes The Change’ for ‘On the Basis of Sex’ | Close Up
Ever wonder how movie soundtracks come to life? Kesha shares her experience writing ‘Here Comes The Change’ for ‘On the Basis of Sex,’ and it’s super interesting to hear her creative process!
ON THE BASIS OF SEX | Learn English with Movies
Want to improve your English while enjoying ‘On the Basis of Sex’? This video breaks down the movie’s dialogue to help you learn, making it both fun and educational!
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