Ninotchka (1939)

Garbo!

Great movie. It will make you want to purchase the other with Fred Astaire, "Silk Stockings". March 19, 2008

A classic comedy

Ninotchka, a Soviet commissar, is sent to Paris to round up a delegation sent to sell imperial jewels in order to raise money for the USSR. Romance ensues shortly afterwards as she is charmed despite herself by Leon, a scoundrel.

This movie is superb. I love it all over again whenever I watch it. The fact that it makes fun of the Soviet state is simply a bonus. December 8, 2007

"Go to bed, little father."

Largely heralded for its slogan "Garbo Laughs!," Ninotchka is a classic romantic comedy. It exemplifies the Lubitsch touch wonderfully with its witty dialogue and elegance. Yakushova Ninotchka (Greta Garbo) is a Russian envoy sent to France to sell some of the Grand Dutchess' jewels; her country is in need of funds to feed its people. The Dutchess Swana (Ina Clare) is living in France, and when she hears that her jewels are in the country, she sends her lover to handle the situation. Leon (Melvyn Douglas) is a charming fellow who quickly wins over the first three Russian comrades: Buljanoff, Iranoff, and Kopalski, but he meets his match with Ninotchka. She is ice cold with hardly a shred of humanity in her body, but it is impossible not to be affected by the wonderful climate and the wonders of emotional bliss.

This film is perfection, made at the height of the golden era. It stars many wonderful faces, namely Garbo who despite her success retired soon after the making of this film. Douglas is dripping with class and wry humor, a stark contrast to Garbo's hardened Russian. She makes an impressive transition to a helpless childlike woman. It is difficult not to fall in love with her.

Ninotchka is a time capsule too. It plays with the differences between Communistic and Capitalistic societies, with a heavy bias toward Capitalism. The film was made when many countries were either siding with Red Russia or taking staunch stands against it.

Perhaps the best quality this film possesses is an excellent script filled with plenty of memorable quotes. Charles Brackett does not get the credit he deserves. November 26, 2007

Garbo & Wilder

What a combo! A true classic comedy. You'll watch it over and over. If you've yet to delve fully into the classics, you will never go wrong with a Billy Wilder directed film! August 31, 2007

Ninotchka

"Garbo Laughs!" screamed the publicity, and so will you (laugh, not scream). Director Ernst Lubitsch brings all his trademark sophistication and style to this gossamer "East meets West" romance. Garbo's transformation from icy harridan to warm, alluring female is still a wonder to behold, and Douglas is nicely understated and suitably wry as the Count, never stepping in Garbo's light too much. Peerless script by Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett, this is the movie equivalent to champagne, and, of course, caviar. June 20, 2007

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