On the Basis of Sex

Universal Pictures | Release Date: December 25, 2018

6.5	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 59 Ratings

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BHBarryJan 4, 2019

“On the Basis of Sex” is the story of one notable period in the life of Justice Ruth

Bader Ginsburg and how she successfully argued in Federal Court that statutory bias and discrimination based on a subject’s gender was unconstitutional.“On the Basis of Sex” is the story of one notable period in the life of Justice Ruth

Bader Ginsburg and how she successfully argued in Federal Court that statutory bias and discrimination based on a subject’s gender was unconstitutional.

Directed by Mimi Leder with a screenplay written by Justice Ginsburg’s nephew,

Daniel Stiepelman, the film portrays this dynamic lady as a

crusader for the rights of persons of both sexes and lets the viewer know and understand the tenacity and perseverance of this legal giant. Aptly portrayed by Felicity Jones in the leading role, Ms. Jones is supported by by Armie Hammer, Sam Waterston and Justin Theroux. Having attended the same law school when Justice Ginsburg studied there, I can personally attest to the very few female law students in attendance and how extraordinary they had to be in order to gain admission to this restricted legal club .Clearly, Justice Ginsburg is the embodiment of the best of the best of all of them. I give this film an 8 for its interesting story and the entertaining manner in which it was able to relate the historical significance of all that Justice Ginsburg achieved.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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TVJerryJan 17, 2019

One of last summer's most popular documentaries was RGB, which chronicled the incredible career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This biopic dramatizes her marriage and early career up to the landmark case that solidified her crusade as an equalOne of last summer's most popular documentaries was RGB, which chronicled the incredible career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This biopic dramatizes her marriage and early career up to the landmark case that solidified her crusade as an equal rights activist. Even though Felicity Jones does a decent job of bringing out the character's strengths and doubts, the whole thing feels a bit like a Lifetime flick. The relationship with her husband (Armie Hammer) is sweetly romantic and the repetitive discrimination borders on message movie. The story plays out interestingly enough, but as the crucial trail gets closer, the movie's momentum bogs down with legal wrangling. Even so, it's an interesting and a well-made ode to Ginsburg's intellect and influence.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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GinaKJan 7, 2019

An interesting film, but depressing for my friends and I who remember how frustrating, confining, and demeaning the “old days” were – even though I had a father who firmly believed in educating his daughters and who was unfailinglyAn interesting film, but depressing for my friends and I who remember how frustrating, confining, and demeaning the “old days” were – even though I had a father who firmly believed in educating his daughters and who was unfailingly encouraging and supportive – and how difficult things still are. Although her accent failed her at times, Felicity Jones always commanded the audience’s attention and she was ably supported by a very fine cast, although I, for one, found Armie Hammer’s height distracting. This is a weighty film that is never boring, thanks to an excellent cast, including all the supporting actors, and the direction.… Expand

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Brent_MarchantJan 3, 2019

A somewhat formulaic but nevertheless inspiring biopic about the early days of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's career and her efforts to fight for the elimination of sex-based discrimination under the law. With fine, underrated performances by FelicityA somewhat formulaic but nevertheless inspiring biopic about the early days of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's career and her efforts to fight for the elimination of sex-based discrimination under the law. With fine, underrated performances by Felicity Jones and Kathy Bates, the film capably walks viewers through the complexities of the legal landscape without resorting to excessive legalese while simultaneously putting a human face on the central issues in question, both in the lives of the protagonist and those for whom she served as advocate. To be sure, the pacing sometimes gets bogged down, and the screenplay tends to unfold in a safe, tried-and-true, somewhat predictable manner. Nevertheless, the inspiration this offering affords and the ideas it champions are well worth the play they get here, something that should prove uplifting to those who seek fairness, equal opportunity and even-handedness in all of their endeavors.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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isarasJan 24, 2019

Great film with a fantastic cast: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux… all of them with wonderful performances. I love Felicity and Armie as de Ginsburg marriage. And the work of Mimi and the writing too. The story of Ruth BaderGreat film with a fantastic cast: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux… all of them with wonderful performances. I love Felicity and Armie as de Ginsburg marriage. And the work of Mimi and the writing too. The story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg deserves being known for everybody, not only women, besides especially for men. I give the film a 10.… Expand

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foxgroveMar 29, 2019

For a film that gets so passionately hot under the collar about change and equal rights, this is quite conventionally made. Felicity Jones does a good acting job, but I'm never convinced that she is anything like the real R B G. EntertainingFor a film that gets so passionately hot under the collar about change and equal rights, this is quite conventionally made. Felicity Jones does a good acting job, but I'm never convinced that she is anything like the real R B G. Entertaining it is, but a trailblazer it most certainly isn't!… Expand