On the Basis of Sex

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On the Basis of Sex

PG-13

Released Jan 11, 2019

2h 0m

Biography

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

72%

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269 Reviews

76%

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1,000+ Ratings

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a struggling attorney and new mother who faces adversity and numerous obstacles in her fight for equal rights. When Ruth takes on a groundbreaking tax case with her husband, attorney Martin Ginsburg, she knows it could change the direction of her career and the way the courts view gender discrimination.

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Critics Consensus

On the Basis of Sex is nowhere near as groundbreaking as its real-life subject, but her extraordinary life makes a solid case for itself as an inspirational, well-acted biopic.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Jones is required to repeatedly hold the screen in close-up while bashing out on-the-nose dialogue.

Jul 31, 2023

Full Review

Caroline Reilly

Bitch Media

On the Basis of Sex stands, additionally and crucially, as a testament to the power and importance of the legal world's unseen corners.

Mar 11, 2021

Full Review

Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

The tight focus makes for an engaging, fast-moving legal drama; as with Spielberg at both his best and worst, this is seldom boring.

Feb 21, 2020

Full Review

Greg Carlson

Vague Visages

The biopic-wary should applaud On the Basis of Sex for its avoidance of the temptation to cover a longer chronology of Bader Ginsburg’s life and career.

Nov 8, 2023

Full Review

Cate Marquis

AWFJ.org

On the Basis of Sex is not a subtle film but it is a crowd-pleaser.

Oct 26, 2021

Full Review

Betsy Bozdech

AWFJ.org

On the Basis of Sex doesn't reinvent the biopic, but it succeeds in telling an important story about one of the most memorable women in U.S. legal history.

Oct 26, 2021

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Faiz D

A great and timely film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

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BRizz 2

I’ll admit—I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this film. The runtime felt a little daunting at first, and Felicity Jones wasn’t an actress I had previously connected with. But by the end, On the Basis of Sex completely won me over in every way. This film goes beyond just telling a biographical story—it educates, inspires, and captivates. It brings history to life in a way that’s engaging and cinematic without ever feeling like a dry lecture. It’s a rare balance to strike, and the film absolutely succeeds. Felicity Jones is phenomenal. Her portrayal of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is layered, powerful, and deeply human. She gives one of the strongest performances of her career, commanding the screen with grace, vulnerability, and strength. By the film’s end, she not only honors a historical icon—she becomes one herself in the eyes of the audience. The direction is sharp and purposeful, the pacing is smart, and the editing and sound design subtly elevate every emotional moment. This is one of those rare films that both entertains and enlightens, offering a deeper understanding of the legal battles women have faced and the pioneers who fought for equality. On the Basis of Sex is a masterclass in how to tell a historical story with heart and cinematic skill. Highly recommended.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

Full Review

Mister U

Certainly worth watching but RBG's inspiring story deserves better treatment. Typecasting throughout. Hammer:s performance takes me back to the worst community theater I've ever seen.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/06/24

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Alicja B

The movie portrays the personal and professional life of RBG in an engaging way.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/01/24

Full Review

Nessy I

It’s not a bad movie, however I would have loved to see more depth to the issues portrayed. There are great hints and mentions of them, but the movie is flowing through them pretty fast without getting into why those issues exist/ context of the times, RBG’s thinking process and evolving perspectives etc. It just seemed a tad shallow but that might have been caused by my expectations of a movie about such a legend :)

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

08/17/24

Full Review

Steven R

This film shows how a person's vision of right can change the staid assumptions of law and the legal system. Felicity Jones' understated performance of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is powerful.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/24

Full Review

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Mimi Leder

Director

Felicity Jones

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Armie Hammer

Marty Ginsburg

Justin Theroux

Mel Wulf

Jack Reynor

Jim Bozarth

Cailee Spaeny

Jane Ginsburg

On the Basis of Sex: Official Clip - John Addams Forgot The Ladies

2:03

On the Basis of Sex: Official Clip - Professor Ruth Bader Ginsburg

2:36

On the Basis of Sex: Official Clip - Jane Inspires Ruth Bader Ginsburg

2:32

On the Basis of Sex: Official Clip - Judges Challenge Ruth Bader Ginsberg

2:51

On the Basis of Sex: Official Clip - Ruth Bader Ginsburg Montage

2:48

On the Basis of Sex: Official Clip - We'll See You in Court

2:01

On the Basis of Sex: Official Clip - Messing Up The Mock Trial

3:57

On the Basis of Sex: Official Clip - Taking The Place of a Man

3:49

On the Basis of Sex: Official Clip - Telling Off Catcallers

3:47

On the Basis of Sex: Official Clip - Ruth Bader Ginsburg Wins the Case

5:53

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On the Basis of Sex: Trailer 2

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On the Basis of Sex: International Trailer 1

2:18

On the Basis of Sex: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a struggling attorney and new mother who faces adversity and numerous obstacles in her fight for equal rights. When Ruth takes on a groundbreaking tax case with her husband, attorney Martin Ginsburg, she knows it could change the direction of her career and the way the courts view gender discrimination.

Director: Mimi Leder
Producer: Robert W. Cort, Jonathan King
Screenwriter: Daniel Stiepleman
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Participant Media, Alibaba Pictures Group
Rating: PG-13 (Suggestive Content|Some Language)
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 11, 2019, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Sep 25, 2020
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 26, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $24.7M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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