Review: RBG (Documentary) — Directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West

In a touching scene, Her Honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg sits with her granddaughter.

RBG is a 2018 documentary that follows the life of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (she was alive during its release). The film unfolds chronologically, from her childhood in Brooklyn, following her as she goes to law school and begins to build a name for herself in the legal profession. It is particularly focused on her commitment to advocating for women's rights and challenging sexual discrimination both in the private and public sectors.

Through the lens of the people who got to know her personally and those who worked with her we see a holistic view of her. Though quiet and reflective, Ruth Bader Ginsberg still built a name for being one of the most outspoken justices on the Court. We learn about her resolve in upholding the rights and liberties of women and those who were maligned for their association with the feminine. During the documentary we also learn about her principles and her commitment to the legal profession.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects that the film touches on is that the Supreme Court Justice was interested in using the law to assure the equity between the sexes. That often meant she had to maintain a dialogue between those she disagreed with. Among those were Justice Anthony Scullia and Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. While both of these individuals were conservative in their interpretations of the law, Ginsberg was not shy about admitting her admiration for their dedication to the legal industry and their commitment to the American people.

In a world where political ideology is one of the easiest aspects of identity to manipulate, Justice Ginsberg remained true to herself and her values while also recognizing the need to collaborate with those who thought differently than she did. The film is not afraid of showing the complexity of the Justice and how she built the reputation that would eventually give her the name: "The Notorious RBG." It is also intriguing to learn about the aspects of her that often get passed over-- such as her fondness for opera and the theater.

There are several moments where we realize just how human she was behind the scenes. We learn about the love for her late husband and her family, the hesitations she had about having children, and the tribulations she endured while working towards a more equal society. Her Honor was not afraid to challenge status quo and she was consistent. She was clever enough to see how the discrepancies that people face in the law according to their sex was something that impacted men as well as women. Some of the most iconic court cases she represented clients on were men who were also being overlooked by public services.

Those of us who lived in Washington D.C. or are familiar with the area will resonate with the clips that are shown. Whether it be the graffiti art honoring her, the scenes of the Court and the surrounding areas, or little references to certain neighborhoods. What I would like to learn more about was how her legacy impacted the judiciary since her death in 2020. I do imagine that we will need some time before seeing that legacy though. It is actually disheartening to see a lot of the work that she and other legal experts fought hard for being pulled back.

You can watch the trailer here.