On The Basis Of Sex, the Mimi Leder directed biopic about US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and her notable achievements especially in her fight for equal rights is… it’s a movie I’m disappointed to say isn’t quite all I’d hoped.

Prior to viewing and thanks to the trailer, I had a certain idea of what this movie might be like. However, my bubble of great expectations burst quite early on, thanks to the rather annoying opening song. And not too long after that, it became quite clear to me that something important was missing from Leder’s movie. The missing element (better script and / or execution) made a big chunk of On The Basis Of Sex feel quite flat and unexciting.

Bearing in mind the huge impact of Ginsburg’s work in the United States and beyond, I really expected a more ‘epic feeling’ finished product. Instead the thought that ‘an opportunity has definitely been missed here’ entered my mind and never left.

The scene in the US Supreme Court at the end is certainly the best. Especially because of the words and delivery of the all important rebuttal. I also couldn’t help but notice how wonderful it surely must have been for Ginsburg to have a support system as great as those in her immediate family. Namely, Martin Ginsburg and their daughter Jane. I really did want to love this one, but it simply wasn’t to be.

Watch it for the US Supreme Court scene, the clothes worn by Felicity Jones and if you’re really, really curious. Just know that the documentary RBG (2018) is better.

Happy Film Loving 

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