Many people may recognize Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the second woman on the Supreme Court or the lawyer/judge who just will not die. On the Basis of Sex was directed by Mimi Leder, the first female to graduate from AFI Conservatory. The whole premise of the movie is to inform watchers about the upcoming of Ginsburg.

In the beginning of this film, a class of students is shown walking through the doors of Harvard Law School. In the midst of the crowd are only nine women, who we later meet, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is played by Felicity Jones. They all are greeted by the dean who is rather sexist. Ginsburg graduates at the top of her class and furthers her education at Columbia.

Martin Ginsburg portrayed by Armie Hammer, Ruth’s husband, is the husband that all  women should strive to have. He understands his wife and never belittles her; in every situation he is always there for her and vice versa.

Most of the scenes are filled with sexist remarks which are shot down by Ruth showing defiance. It makes your inner feminist smile when these remarks are said. Some thoughts I have include, “Yeah that’s right, equality. You go girl!” Her daughter inherits the boldness of Ruth and uses it to defend others in certain situations where they are on bottom.

The movie reveals how hard it was to get a job as a woman. Some scenes are frustrating to watch from a girls viewpoint because there are little women’s rights during the time that the movie took place. Ruth Bader Ginsburg keeps losing when she discovers she is denied the transfer to Columbia, her husband has a five percent chance of living, and no law firm will accept her so she has to resort to another profession being a teacher. She is also denied so many privileges that nowadays some women expect, including an education, having a job etc.

Also, gender equality is highlighted throughout the movie. There are many facts and cases said throughout the movie where gender equality is questioned. Ruth manages to find a case where a man is being discriminated.

Although this movie was very entertaining and satisfactory, it ended a little short. The movie would’ve been better if there was at least a little highlight reel of all her accomplishments and then the first time she is on the Supreme Court. Before the credits, a very creative transition from Felicity Jones to the real life Ruth Bader Ginsburg is shown walking up a flight of stairs to the Supreme Court building.

There is a documentary about Ginsburg celebrating her 85th birthday and her 25th year on the Supreme Court called RBG. The documentary includes exactly what should’ve been at the end of On the Basis of Sex. There are many speeches, interviews, and public appearances. This movie is very informative regarding lawyers and about the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg before she became a famous lawyer.