'RBG' A Review

RBG is a documentary about supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Through relatively conventional contemporary interviews and archival footage the film takes a look at Ginsburg's family, work with the ACLU, her appointment, and her time on the bench. It also investigates the genesis of her pop culture iconography and her tremendous youth appeal and influence.

The film highlights a number of gender discrimination cases Ginsburg brought to the supreme court in the 70's and 80's as well as some major cases she tried as a justice. Knowing the specifics of these cases and the trail blazed by Ginsburg for gender equality is fascinating not least of which because Ginsburg herself is so reserved. There is not a lot of volume to her actions only a sharp and deep conviction. Some time is also spent around Ginsburg's marriage, it's importance, and the odd couple pair her more gregarious husband Martin.

The information in the film is broad but not particularly deep but that is immaterial. We get a sense of this important, inspiring figure and the work she continues to do. We get a sense of how vital the court is, how precarious its position, and how divisive the times we live in. But we also get the sense that this has happened before, Ginsburg makes a direct analogy to the red scare, and that the law, lawyers, judges, individuals can make a difference.

Engaging and energizing if not particularly cinematic.

Rent It.