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Biographical documentary

RBG (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

RBG (2018) movie poster

RBG is a 2018 biographical documentary directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, starring Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Martin D. Ginsburg and Bill Clinton. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes and earned $14.5 million worldwide. It was nominated for 2 Oscars. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

IMDb rating
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
93%
worldwide gross
$14.5M
award nominations
5
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RBG (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Directors
Betsy West and Julie Cohen
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is RBG About?

The premise of RBG without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

As a Supreme Court Justice nearing 85, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s profound impact on American law is undeniable. This documentary explores the life and career of the iconic figure, revealing the personal journey that led her to the highest court in the land. It examines her early struggles against gender inequality and her tireless fight for justice, while also showcasing the surprising cultural phenomenon she became later in life. The film offers a revealing look at the woman behind the legal legend.

RBG Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • opera lover
  • judge
  • u.s. supreme court
  • litigation
  • gender equality
  • civil rights
  • sexism
  • law
  • cultural icon
  • working woman
  • supportive husband
  • law school
+38 more
  • lawyer
  • harvard law school
  • internet meme
  • washington d.c.
  • physical exercise
  • unlikely friendship
  • dissent
  • reference to thurgood marshall
  • columbia university
  • reference to antonin scalia
  • blog
  • audio recording
  • reference to mario cuomo
  • reference to sandra day o'connor
  • feminism
  • reference to donald trump
  • collar
  • title directed by female
  • exercise routine
  • year 1993
  • cancer
  • protest
  • litigator
  • opera
  • santa fe new mexico
  • year 2017
  • widower
  • reference to edwards v. healy
  • year 2016
  • reference to jimmy carter
  • reference to andrew cuomo
  • swearing in ceremony
  • reference to william rehnquist
  • year 2009
  • death of husband
  • u.s. air force
  • brooklyn new york city
  • congressional confirmation hearing
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Cast & crew

RBG Cast

Ruth Bader Ginsburg leads the cast, with Martin D. Ginsburg and Bill Clinton. Directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen; 12 actors are credited in all.

From the directors

More from Betsy West and Julie Cohen

More films directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, best-rated first: Julia, Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down, My Name Is Pauli Murray and Every Body.

Ratings

RBG Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave RBG 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).

71 /100

RBG Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, the film presents a respectful and informative portrait of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg while offering a measured account of her career milestones. It balances archival footage and interviews to illuminate her legal achievements and personal resilience. Critics and audiences note its clear structure and steady pacing, even as some feel its tone remains too reverent and glosses over deeper complexities. In sum, this documentary provides valuable insight but stops short of a fully critical exploration.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of direction and cinematography, the film opts for a straightforward documentary style that prioritizes clarity over visual innovation. Archival photos, interview footage, and simple editing transitions maintain coherence but rarely surprise. The production design is functional, with minimal stylistic flourishes. Ultimately, the visual craft serves the narrative reliably, offering clear context but little in the way of distinctive artistry.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, the documentary effectively conveys Ginsburg’s determination, intelligence, and personal relationships. Interviews with family and colleagues highlight her fortitude and support her status as a cultural icon. However, some nuances and contradictions receive only cursory attention, limiting emotional complexity. Overall, the film provides a heartfelt yet somewhat streamlined portrait of its subject.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of story coherence and engagement, the documentary follows a linear structure that tracks Ginsburg’s career from her early life through landmark cases. Pacing is brisk and informative, ensuring accessibility for newcomers. While the narrative delivers key legal milestones with clarity, it occasionally sacrifices dramatic tension and deeper thematic exploration. Consequently, the storytelling remains solid but conventional.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film employs a modest musical score and clear sound design that support the narrative without overwhelming it. Visual cohesion is maintained through consistent use of archival materials and minimal visual effects. While the soundtrack provides gentle transitions and occasional mood cues, the overall sensory palette remains restrained. This approach enhances focus but limits immersive flair.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    In terms of rewatch value, this documentary offers substantial informational rewards for viewers interested in legal history and Ginsburg’s legacy. Repeated viewings can reinforce familiar case details and personal anecdotes. However, its straightforward delivery and lack of narrative surprises may diminish appeal on subsequent watches. Overall, the film remains a valuable resource but may not inspire frequent revisits.

Plot

RBG Plot Summary

What happens in RBG from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Marking her 25th anniversary on the U.S. Supreme Court, RBG is an eye-opening documentary that delves deep into the remarkable life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. At 84 years old, Justice Ginsburg has not only shaped a striking legal legacy but has also risen to the status of an unexpected icon across generations, inspiring many as both a heroine and a pop culture figure. However, even among her most enthusiastic supporters, the details of her distinctive personal journey remain largely unknown. This quiet yet fierce warrior was instrumental in the development of the modern women’s rights movement during her early years as a lawyer.

Full summary

The whole story of RBG, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

RBG Box Office

RBG grossed $14.5 million worldwide. $14.1 million came from the US and Canada and $423,931 (3%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$14.5M

US & Canada
$14.1M
International
$423.9K
US & Canada 97% Rest of the world 3%
Awards

RBG Awards & Nominations

RBG was nominated for 2 Oscars. The 5 nominations come from 4 ceremonies, the most at the Oscars 2019.

5 nominations4 ceremonies

Videos

RBG Trailers & Videos

The trailer of RBG.

RBG - Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know RBG?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What milestone in her career is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg approaching in the documentary?

Details

RBG Also Known As

13 alternative titles, including “女大法官金斯伯格” and “루스 베이더 긴즈버그: 나는 반대한다”.

Also known as
  • 女大法官金斯伯格
  • 루스 베이더 긴즈버그: 나는 반대한다
  • Рут Бадър Гинсбург
  • אר-בי-ג'י: רות ביידר גינסבורג
  • РБГ
  • A Juíza
  • RBG - Ein Leben für die Gerechtigkeit
  • 大法官金斯伯格
  • RBG:不恐龍大法官
  • Alla corte di Ruth
  • RBG: Μια Ζωή για τη Δικαιοσύνη
  • RBG 最強の85才
+1 more
  • РБҐ: Життя ікони правосуддя

Seen RBG?

FAQ

RBG FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of RBG, each answered in a sentence.

How long is RBG?

RBG runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was RBG released?

RBG was released on May 4, 2018.

Who directed RBG?

RBG was directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen.

More films by Betsy West

Who is in the cast of RBG?

RBG stars Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Martin D. Ginsburg and Bill Clinton, among 12 credited actors.

How much did RBG make at the box office?

RBG grossed $14.5 million worldwide ($14.1 million domestic, $423,931 international).

How is RBG rated?

RBG has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 71 on Metacritic and 75% on TMDB.

Was RBG nominated for any awards?

RBG received 5 nominations across 4 ceremonies.

Does RBG have a post-credit scene?

No. RBG has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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