She may be very tiny in stature but this inspiring and affectionate documentary narrates the outsized influence, achievements and legacy of 85-year-old liberal US Supreme Court Justice and unexpected pop cultural icon, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Described by Bill Clinton (who appointed her to the SC in 1993) as a pioneering women’s advocate, directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West explore Ginsburg’s life and work through archival footage, interviews with family, friends and colleagues - and Ginsburg herself.
A woman of renowned reserve, Ginsburg’s career has been defined by her fierce intellect as well as a strong determination to use the law as an instrument of change. Her own experience of discrimination would, in many ways, define her work. She became a lawyer in 1950s — a time when few women were encouraged to do so: her gender meant that no New York law firm would give her a job. In 1970s, Ginsburg acted in landmark cases — fighting for equality and challenging gender-based discrimination for both women and men.
At times, the filmmakers take a light-hearted approach but this does not detract from their ability to provide a thorough portrait. In addition to charting Ginsburg’s professional contributions, the film affectingly chronicles RBG’s other great love —that of her husband, Marty Ginsburg, also a lawyer, who consistently supported and championed his wife in her career.
