On the Basis of Sex is a biographical drama film based on the legal life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was the second woman to ever retain the position. The movie stars Felicity Jones as Ginsburg, and was directed by Mimi Leder. The film was distributed in the United States on December 2018 by Focus Features.
The film revolves around a young Ginsburg, fresh out of Harvard Law School, but unable to find any opportunity for females in the legal industry. Her big opportunity comes in the 1970 case of Moritz v. Commissioner, where she successfully attempts to set a precedent ruling of unfair discrimination on the basis of sex. The film follows her struggles in the court room but also her determination and confidence in challenging the unfair Court of Appeals in their discrimination against women.
Notable actors such as Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, and Jack Reynor were part of the cast. The film was well received with A. O. Scott of The New York Times stating “That the movie may leave you wanting more — more history, more personality, more complicated emotion, more ideological contention.” It was a box office success, generating $38.7 million upon its release.
