‘On the Basis of Sex,’ is inspiring underdog story

Objection your honor! A movie about sex should not feature Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, even in her younger days. Depending on your political view, the Notorious RBG either liberated women or destroyed the American family. Either way, this is an inspiring underdog story about overcoming thousands of years of convention.

Felicity Jones (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”) carries the grit and gravitas required to portray a woman strong enough to place number one at Harvard Law School while raising a child, caring for her ill husband Marty (Armie Hammer) and assisting with his studies. Written by Ginsburg’s nephew Daniel Stiepleman, it was important to her that the legal issues were accurate, and to him, that his aunt shown more as a woman than a superhero.

To the far right, Ginsburg is an elderly liberal shrew, but overall, carries the highest popularity rating of any Supreme Court Justice. Prior to her appointment, confirmed by Senate 96-3, she was the first to convince the courts that gender-based discrimination violated the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The U.S. government argued that this was a radical, social change that would upset the natural order of things.

This is an exciting real-life courtroom drama where the outcome not only affects the parties involved, but our way of life. Interestingly, her first case involved a struggle to protect the rights of a man discriminated against by the IRS because of his gender. Although we know the result, it is presented as methodical, intense and triumphant.

This began a string of cases that virtually eliminated institutionalized discrimination against anyone based on gender. As late as 1971, a man could not legally be a nurse in some states and a woman who earned the same as a man could be legally paid a lower Social Security payment. These used to be labeled as radical liberal causes. As time passes, we now just call them wrong. But, she saw them as wrong back then.

This story begins in 1956, as RBG enters Harvard Law School amongst a sea of men. They are greeted by Dean Griswold (Sam Waterston), who describes the privilege and responsibility of a Harvard “man.” In a smaller setting with the nine female students, Dean Griswold belittles each for taking a man’s rightful place in class. RBG sarcastically responds, “My husband Marty is a second-year law student and it is important for a woman to understand her husband’s work.” Point made, the defense rests.

Felicity Jones adds charm and vulnerability to the driven protagonist carrying a very full load. Her chemistry with Armie Hammer, as renowned tax attorney Martin Ginsburg, illustrates the partnership the two had in their symbiotic life long relationship. When she’s frustrated on the sidelines as a law professor, he offers, “You’re training the next generation to change the world.” She responds, “But, that’s what I wanted to do!”

Cailee Spaeny, as grown daughter Jane, asks her mom about a discrimination case, “Do you think the judge was wrong?” RBG responds. “I think the law is wrong!” So, Jane offers spunk and inspiration by scolding her mom into taking action, “What you’ve been doing is not a movement, it’s a support group.” Justin Theroux and Kathy Bates round out the effective supporting cast, but this is a one-woman show by Ms. Jones.

“On the Basis of Sex” is two hours and rated PG-13 for language and suggestive content. It is a story about a woman swimming upstream against the tide of male-dominated politics and tradition, backed by a litany of case law. Ginsburg didn’t start the gender equality movement but led landmark cases that changed the world forever.

Ginsburg and judicial adversary Antonin Scalia were great friends that attended the opera together. Thankfully, neither apologized for their friendship. You may or may not agree with her Supreme Court positions, but this early worked brilliantly depicts championing right vs. wrong against all odds. It also changes our assumption that the Supreme Court has no appeal.

Ron’s Rating: B+
Leigh’s Rating: A




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