By Cayla Rheins |
Contributor
Felicity Jones stars as Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the historical drama "On the Basis of Sex." It depicts a young attorney as she presents the first gender-discrimination case before the U.S. Court of Appeals.
The film begins at Harvard Law School under the shadow of arrogant and sexist dean, Erwin Griswold (Sam Waterston). Upon her graduation from Columbia, Ginsburg discovers that no law firm will hire her because she is a woman. She settles for teaching at Rutgers University. Many years later, Ginsburg, who was born in Brooklyn, is still teaching at Rutgers when her husband, Marty (Armie Hammer), finds an opportunity to present a case before the U. S. Court of Appeals on the basis of sex. This case is will do because, although the plaintiff is a man, the precedent would also apply to women if he wins. The film focuses primarily on this case, and it makes Ginsburg a pioneer for gender equality.
In 2018, Ginsburg celebrated her 25th year as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Recently, Justice Ginsburg missed two weeks of arguments after undergoing surgery to remove cancer from her left lung. Despite her numerous health setbacks, including two additional battles with cancer, Ginsburg had never before missed an argument in her 25 years of duty. On Feb. 15, she returned to the court. Ginsburg clearly lives up to, if not exceeds, her passionate and fiery character in "On the Basis of Sex."
Viewers looking for entertainment that is educational, culturally relevant, emotional and inspirational should look no further than "On the Basis of Sex." This film tackles social justice, romance and family relationships simultaneously. Viewers feel inspired after witnessing this film, and with the recent celebration of Justice Ginsburg’s 25th year on the court, there is no better time to celebrate her life and her victories.