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Index

Introduction

Sexism

Ruth Ginsburg

Plot

Conclusion

Rating

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Introduction

The status quo is probably one of the hardest things to change in our society because, at the end of the day, we are creatures of habit, we like to live in the certainty of our beliefs and routines (however wrong they may be). One of the hardest things for human beings is to try to get out of their comfort zone because within it we feel safe, we know what to expect and things cannot find us unprepared. Social conventions are also part of the status quo, and most people take them for granted as if they were dogmas dictated by the word of some kind of deity who appeared to teach us the right way. But the reality is sometimes very different, and although no one can claim to be able to define what is right or wrong, the correct attitude (at least in my opinion) should be one of continuous reflection, without taking anything for granted, but trying to reason about everything and trying to understand if our beliefs really make sense or if they are simply an imposition accepted without hesitation on our part. In the film 'On the Basis of Sex', we see how a belief that was considered 'normal' in the 1970s is instead seen today as profoundly wrong. A woman in those years was considered too 'emotional' or the cause of 'jealousies' and therefore unsuitable for certain jobs, even though she had all the necessary skills and even the qualifications to do so.

Certain realities do not become apparent in our minds until someone shoves them vehemently in our faces.

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Sexism

"The fact is that, you know, we're a close-knit firm, almost like family, and uh, the wives, they get jealous."

"I wasn't what they were looking for. One said women are too emotional to be lawyers."

These are only two of the answers that Ruth receives while trying to find a job as a lawyer, after getting her degree from Harvard. She would like to shout at everyone that being able to do one's job properly should be sufficient justification for employment and that gender should have no impact on it. However, it appears that the United States of the 1970s does not operate in Ruth's ideal way. Sex discrimination is permitted in the US in the '70. Incredible, isn't it? Ruth will decide to modify the law because of this. How does one change the law? Two methods exist:

1. Travel back in time to the American Revolution in the late 18th century (thanks, Prof. Russo), pose as a male, infiltrate, and attempt to amend the Constitution.

2. Establish a legal precedent that will allow past events to be used as evidence in future prosecutions.

Although it may seem ludicrous, both options in the United States in the 1970s were quite tricky. She will therefore end up teaching law. She will educate a generation that will alter the course of history. And she will not give up. Ruth will use an amendment—a type of law established in the United States a very long time ago—as support for her argument that almost all "modern" laws, or those created after the amendment, are in conflict with it.

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Ruth Ginsburg

Her performance is strong and impassioned, making Ginsburg anything but a perfect or angelic character. In fact, she is seen giving in or going overboard several times, gripped by an understandable discouragement towards an invisible cage that forced her and the women of her time to submit to diktats that were completely illogical. The actress is successful in portraying a captivating, obstinate, clever, and compassionate woman on screen who can manage motherhood, education, and work while maintaining concentration on a goal in spite of challenges that have attempted to divert her throughout her life. Jones, who grasped her spirit and linked with her reality at the time, identified her as "a female character fiercely devoted to what she does." Although the personalities that revolve around Justice Ginsburg are equally fascinating and multifaceted, when she first met her, she thought that she was "a revolutionary with a fire in her belly."

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Plot

One of the nine women accepted into the Harvard University Law School in 1956 is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is, however, turned down by every law firm despite her skill simply because she is a woman. She takes on an explosive gender discrimination case with the assistance of progressive attorney Dorothy Kenyon. Ruth prevails in the case that changes US legal precedent despite everyone's advice.

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Conclusion

Again another of those movies that I suggest watching not only for the standard reasons, like the acting, the photography or the script but because it tries to convey a strong message... that sometimes it is necessary to go beyond, to fight the social preconceptions, even when everyone is against you. There are occasions where, if you think something is wrong, you need to fight to prove it, not wait that someone will do it for you or pretend it doesn't even exist. Discrimination (all of its types) is a plague of our society at different levels, and although a lot of people think that this kind of movie is only a style exercise or only a way to use collective emotions to gain money, I still think that they can serve a greater cause (whatever the original reason was to make them): raise awareness on this problems!!! So, please watch the movie and reflect on it.

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Rating

My personal vote is:

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8.0/10

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