“on the basis of sex” movie review

Go see On the Basis of Sex right now.

And take your kids with you.

And maybe some Republican women.

And their kids.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve already seen RBG. (And if you haven’t, go see that, too.) On the Basis of Sex is the back story of how Ruth Bader Ginsburg became notorious by winning a landmark case that prevented discrimination, well, on the basis of sex. The fact that she won that case by defending a man was brilliant, and the fact that her beloved husband, Marty (Armie Hammer), brought her the case is couple goals, for sure.

Felicity Jones is solid as RBG, although I still think she was miscast and don’t understand why they couldn’t find someone less British to play this American icon. I really don’t want to diss her, though, because I think she’s an amazing actress, in general, and she definitely does justice (!) to Ginsburg.

I recently read an article that talked about how pleased Ginsburg was with the choice of Armie Hammer, and I can totally see why. He seems to really lose himself in the role, and he makes Marty’s love and respect for his wife so obvious and powerful.

On the Basis of Sex is a much-deserved love story to RBG, the battles she fought and the rights she won for women.

It should also serve as an inspiration for girls to get out there and follow their dreams, no matter how many times they’re told “no.” Look at how hard Ginsburg studied and worked and strategized to find a way to get to “yes.” She had to change the way people think, which is almost impossible — yet she did it.

And she did it while raising two children and, at the beginning of their marriage, taking both her own and her husband’s law school classes when he was battling testicular cancer.

It almost doesn’t matter if the movie itself is great because her story itself is.

At the age of 85, RBG is — thankfully — still going strong, dissenting, resisting and inspiring. She even makes a cameo at the end of the movie.

All rise.