On the Basis of Sex

The film is set primarily at prestigious law schools including Harvard Law School and Columbia Law School. Key locations also include New York City, where Ruth works in corporate law, and Denver, where important legal meetings occur. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court serve as the final battlegrounds for her landmark case.

The movie spans from 1956 when Ruth Bader Ginsburg enrolls at Harvard Law School through the 1970s legal battles and concludes with her appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993. This period covers several decades of significant legal and social change regarding gender equality in America.

The two central themes are gender equality and resilience. The film explores how Ruth Bader Ginsburg challenged systemic discrimination against women in the legal profession and fought to dismantle barriers through groundbreaking legal arguments. It also portrays her resilience in balancing academia, family challenges including her husband's illness, and professional obstacles throughout her career.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is portrayed as a determined and intelligent law student who becomes a pioneering advocate for women's rights. She faces significant gender discrimination throughout her career but ultimately uses her legal expertise to challenge unconstitutional gender-based laws, establishing herself as a champion for gender equality in the American legal system.

Martin Ginsburg is Ruth's husband, depicted as compassionate and steadfast. Despite facing health challenges including cancer, he remains a source of unwavering support for Ruth's legal career. His illness adds emotional complexity to Ruth's journey, but he consistently encourages her pursuit of justice, demonstrating a partnership built on mutual respect and love.

Ruth takes on the case of Charles Moritz, a man who faced gender discrimination when the IRS denied him a tax deduction for caring for his elderly mother. While this might seem counterintuitive, Ruth uses the case to challenge gender discrimination laws that harm both men and women, arguing that such laws reinforce harmful stereotypes against women.

Harvard Law School in the 1950s was a male-dominated environment where women faced significant discrimination. Ruth was one of only a handful of women in her class and encountered skepticism about whether she belonged. Despite these obstacles, she excelled academically and eventually transferred to Columbia Law School to complete her degree when Harvard refused to grant her degree due to her gender.

Mel Wulf is an attorney at the ACLU who initially lacks confidence in Ruth's case but becomes inspired by her passion and legal arguments. His transformation from skeptical ally to committed advocate demonstrates the importance of building coalitions in the fight for justice. He ultimately becomes a key figure in supporting Ruth's landmark legal battle against gender discrimination.

Dorothy Kenyon is portrayed as a seasoned activist and experienced attorney who initially approaches Ruth with skepticism. However, she eventually becomes a crucial ally, demonstrating how solidarity among women can strengthen the fight for equality. Her character represents the importance of mentorship and support in breaking down barriers.

Charles Moritz is the plaintiff whose tax case becomes the vehicle for Ruth's legal strategy. As a man discriminated against by gender-based laws, his case allows Ruth to challenge the constitutional basis of discrimination itself. His willingness to fight for his rights helps establish the precedent that gender discrimination harms everyone, not just women.

The film illustrates how women were systematically excluded from legal professions and faced institutional barriers despite their qualifications. Ruth encounters denial of employment at law firms, receives lower grades despite her merit, and confronts judges who question whether women belong in the courtroom. These experiencesfuel her determination to challenge discriminatory laws systematically.

The film portrays resilience as Ruth's ability to persist despite facing constant setbacks - from gender bias at Harvard, to being rejected by law firms, to balancing her husband's illness with her career. Her determination to continue fighting for gender equality despite these obstacles demonstrates that resilience requires both unwavering principle and the ability to adapt strategies when facing resistance.