On the Basis of Sex

Felicity Jones gives an exceptional performance as United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in ON THE BASIS OF SEX. Jones efficiently shows strength and determination throughout the story. Ginsburg attends Harvard Law School in the 1950's when there are few women students. Her husband Martin (Armie Hammer) is also a student at Harvard Law. When he falls ill, she attends both her and his classes. The couple's partnership also consists of raising their two children and working as joint counsel for a case that makes it possible for Ginsburg to practice law.

In the 1960's very few women practice law, so Ginsburg teaches law. She is not satisfied with this, and in 1970 when Martin discovers a tax law case involving a man named Charles Moritz (Chris Mulkey) who hires a nurse to help him care for his aging mother, Ruth accepts it.  Moritz is denied a tax deduction for the nursing care because the deduction is limited to "a woman, a widower or divorcee, or a husband whose wife is incapacitated or institutionalized," which is Section 214 of the Internal Revenue Code. The opportunity allows Ginsburg to overturn the law, which also challenges laws that discriminate against women. Additionally, she believes winning the case will start her career of practicing law.

In the United States landmark cases and laws have made it possible for school integration (Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, 1954) and voting rights for all (Voting Rights Act, 1965). In the 1970's Ruth Bader Ginsburg makes it possible for women to work in professions seen as only for men by successfully proving that a man is discriminated against on the basis of his sex. As society changes, the laws should change.

ON THE BASIS OF SEX is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is http://focusfeatures.com/on-the-basis-of-sex.

The Bookshop

THE BOOKSHOP takes place in a quaint, coastal town. All seems ideal and the perfect location for Florence Green (Emily Mortimer) to open a bookshop. Florence is a widow and this is what she needs to work through her emotions and place her mind on other matters. Unexpectedly, the town recluse, Edmund Brundish (Bill Nighy), develops a friendship with Florence. He likes to read and she sells books.

It is disappointing that some people cannot stand seeing others happy. Violet Gamart (Patricia Clarkson) is a wealthy woman with a nephew in Parliament. Violet wants to set up an arts centre in the Old House where Florence's bookshop is located, so her nephew sponsors a bill that allows local councils to buy historical buildings.

THE BOOKSHOP is based on the novel of the same title written by Penelope Fitzgerald. The story allows its audience to become a part of the community in which the movie is set and be taken back to the simpler time of 1959. Anyone who has ever created something will identify with Florence and root for her success.

THE BOOKSHOP is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is https://www.bookshopthefilm.com/.

Fences

The movie FENCES is based on the play of the same title written by August Wilson. The story is set in the 1950's and shows a realistic portrayal of one African American family.

Denzel Washington directs the film and plays Troy Maxson, a hard working man that provides for his family and fights racial discrimination at his workplace. Viola Davis gives an outstanding performance as his wife, Rose. She stands by Troy through many struggles, keeping her dreams secret while supporting him and their son Cory, played very well by Jovan Adepo, in their aspirations. Rose is a strong woman who is asked to do the unthinkable. She probably represents many women.

Mykelti Williamson is excellent as Troy's brother, Gabriel. The entire cast is excellent, and it is apparent that most, if not all of them, worked together on the play.

FENCES is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is http://www.fencesmovie.com/.

Brooklyn

Colm To'ibin's novel Brooklyn is the inspiration for the movie, BROOKLYN. I have experienced being an immigrant just like Ellis Lacey (played by Saoirse Ronan). Usually hope and some fear are a part of the process.  Hope carries more weight, except in BROOKLYN Ellis is very young and still trying to discover who she is and if the dreams she has are actually hers. She also has difficulty leaving her mother and sister in Ireland.

The immigration process can include much adventure due to challenges of learning another culture. In the United States Ellis discovers there are many other Irish immigrants in Brooklyn, including the boarding home in which she lives. She also receives support with enrolling in school and finding a job. She even starts socializing and meets an Italian man named Tony (played by Emory Cohen) at a dance.

In the 1950's there are several opportunities for Ellis to discover who she is via experiences she has when getting help from people she meets, especially Tony. Falling in love for the first time is overwhelming for her, and thinking about going back to Ireland provides confusion. She does not even tell her mother and sister about Tony.

BROOKLYN is a coming-of-age story that is engaging. The writing and performances are excellent. It is always a pleasure watching Saoirse Ronan portray interesting characters.

For more information, visit the official Facebook page for BROOKLYN at https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynMovie.