RBG
"Hero. Icon. Dissenter."
RBG presents Ruth Bader Ginsburg late in her career, still driven by the belief that law can correct inequality. The film blends intimate interviews with rare access to life outside the courtroom, creating a portrait of a jurist who remains relentlessly active. It shows how a deep affection for... Read more
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About RBG
RBG presents Ruth Bader Ginsburg late in her career, still driven by the belief that law can correct inequality. The film blends intimate interviews with rare access to life outside the courtroom, creating a portrait of a jurist who remains relentlessly active. It shows how a deep affection for the Constitution fuels decades of advocacy and how her partnership with her husband Marty provides balance and strength. Through this lens, we see the aging justice wrestle with public expectations, political battles, and personal loss, yet keep a clear focus on justice and fairness. The result is a vivid, human portrait of a woman whose work reshaped the Supreme Court and inspired many. The film trusts viewers to draw their own conclusions about the path she chose and the mark she left on American law.
Directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, RBG is an original documentary built from candid interviews, archival footage, and access to Ginsburg's life beyond the bench. The film foregrounds her tireless commitment to equality and the personal ties that nourished her public work.
Critics celebrated the film as a clear and respectful portrait of a towering figure. It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature, underscoring its broad impact. The documentary also earned recognition from film groups for its craft, timing, and thoughtful storytelling.
RBG helped elevate Ruth Bader Ginsburg into a cultural icon beyond the courtroom. The film fueled discussions about gender equality and civil rights, and fed into the Notorious RBG phenomenon that reshaped how people talk about law and justice in everyday life.
Audiences responded warmly and critics praised its clear, human-centered storytelling. The documentary centers themes of perseverance, partnership, and public service, while showing how a personal faith in fairness can drive steady reform. It carries a strong sense of purpose without losing human warmth.
Details
- Release Date
- May 04, 2018
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
- Rating
- PG
- User Ratings
- 303 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Documentary
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- CNN Films +1 more
- Box Office
- $2,002,767
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Self
Jane C. Ginsburg
Self
James Steven Ginsburg
Self
Nina Totenberg
Self
Clara Spera
Self
Gloria Steinem
Self
Bill Clinton
Self
Sharron Frontiero
Self
Orrin Hatch
Self
Lilly Ledbetter
Self
Director: Betsy West, Julie Cohen