By Robert Yaniz Jr.

DAY 12 OF THE 2018 HOLIDAY BINGE

A trailblazing subject receives her due in a well-constructed tribute.

THE HYPE

At some point in the past several years, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has emerged as the unlikeliest of celebrities. Celebrated for her pioneering work toward gender equality and her progressive but fair judgments in the court, Ginsburg has devoted her entire life to the justice system. So it’s appropriate that her dedication be recognized on a grand scale. However, even Ginsburg herself may be surprised to realize just how much of a cultural icon she’s become. RBG explores why she is such a vital presence.

THE STORY

Rather than a simple chronology, directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen recount Ginsburg’s exploits bit by piece, highlighting the various cases she has been involved in. For viewers looking to glean more detail on her work, such an approach makes it easy to track the impact Ginsburg has made throughout her career. But for those less concerned with the nuts and bolts of her life than the woman behind all of it, RBG does leave something to be desired. Either way, there’s no question that Ginsburg is a major force in modern U.S. politics.

THE CAST

As far as documentaries go, the footage used throughout RBG is first-rate. Interviews with Ginsburg’s associates, her children and the woman herself neatly complement the narration, accentuating her road from women’s rights activist to the “Notorious RBG.” Still, the entire project lacks a certain candidness. At times, it’s hard to decipher whether this is a deliberate move on the part of the filmmakers or simply an indication of Ginsburg’s own restrained nature.

THE PRODUCTION

What may really divide viewers about RBG is the briskness it applies to Ginsburg’s career. At just 98 minutes, the film covers a lot of ground very quickly. If one is looking for a highlight reel to introduce them to Ginsburg, this will get the job done. However, so much is breezed over so quickly that anyone with any more than a cursory knowledge of her career will probably find themselves with precious little new information when the credits roll. But what is on display is handled efficiently and never fails to delight.

THE VERDICT

While RBG is not as profound as something like Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, the film does accomplish its primary goal: to help viewers to acknowledge and appreciate everything that Ginsburg has done to advocate for justice, equality and fairness in a legal system that sometimes struggles to deliver on this fundamental level. RBG also serves as a nice companion piece to this month’s On the Basis of Sex, which stars Felicity Jones as Ginsburg and will likely only further drum up support for one of our government’s greatest treasures.

RBG stars Ruth Bader Ginsburg and is directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen.