'RBG' is an incredibly moving tribute to a worthy icon

Normally, I would argue that the greatest sin a biographical documentary can commit is being too unabashedly adoring of its subject. And yet, RBG, which is essentially a highlight reel of the iconic Supreme Court justice's remarkable life and career, routinely had me on the brink of tears. And then, eventually, I'll admit I did shed a few.

Besides gently chiding her for coming out against Trump during the 2016 election, the movie basically serves to exalt Justice Ginsburg, but it does so with such wit, substance and sensitivity that I can't quibble with it. In fact, it should be required viewing for anyone who thinks they despise her.

Ironically, the film opens with the voices of her right wing detractors and its almost immediately comical that this tiny, soft-spoken women can be so demonized. The film presents her, accurately, as a dedicated public servant, a loving wife and mother, and most importantly, as a fierce lifelong advocate for the equality of women.

To put it bluntly, Ginsburg's personal  and professional character are unassailable, and it is the strength of her convictions and thoughtfulness that leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll on this film.

The fact that she has become a meme and feminist icon are dealt with amusingly enough, but it's when RBG delves into the nitty gritty of both the discrimination she face throughout her career, and which she fought in the courts that it really finds its footing.

Ginsburg's voice, sweet, yet steely, is riveting and her unshakable conscious is inspiring. I will never forget her invaluable life lesson that yelling will never bring your opponent to your side. Her dissents may be blistering, but they are motivated by love and a desire to reach understanding, not necessarily bitterness or anger.

Meanwhile, the ace up the movie's sleeve is Ginsburg's inspiring marriage to Martin Ginsburg, the one man in her law school class who appreciated her brains as well as her beauty. There's is a truly lovely romance -- two opposites bringing out the best in each other, while never giving into petty jealousies or insecurities.

At a time when few men would, Justice Ginsburg's husband willingly took a back seat to his wife's ambitions, and their lives (and in effect ours) are all richer for it.

RBG the movie is pretty traditional fare. Talking heads abound (Ginsburg's childhood friends steal the show), lots of great archival footage and sound from oral arguments before the Supreme Court, but the biggest breakout star is the soft spoken justice herself.

Whether at the opera, working out vigorously in the gym or giggling at her portrayal on Saturday Night Live, she comes across as a totally sharp and strikingly beautiful person. For all the speculation about her future, or lack thereof, we should all be grateful that this film exists and a living, lasting document of all she does and continues to do.

In a time where talk is often a substitute for tangible action, this is a woman who's life's work not only speaks volumes but helped change lives -- and for the better.