Ninotchka

In the context of Greta Garbo's career, Ninotchka works as her tried-and-true culmination, a film "for everyone." Unfortunately, it overshadows a whole range of much better films from this position. And it's really ridiculous to go into Ninotchka expecting to see Garbo laugh for the first time. Her laughter has been seen in silent and sound films before, my favorite example being from Queen Christina where she was beautifully natural. Indeed, this publicity stunt had its justification in its time, but why don't people laugh in unison when watching Two-Faced Woman? there again, there is the missing tooth of time and selective choice in all those pseudo golden lists (of world cinema). So let's just put all these crooked insights behind us and let's simply laugh at comrade Garbo studying a map at a tram stop and then, like a little child, letting herself be picked up with the use of a few female trinkets. They throw away the ideals of communism and understand that the midnight meeting of the hands on the clock face is the most romantic thing in the entire world. Melvyn Douglas became Garbo's lover a total of three times. The first time was in As You Desire Me (1932) and after his success in Ninotchka he was also recommended for her swan song in Two-Faced Woman (1941), which was to become Ninotchka 2, but Pearl Harbor put a stop to that. He's a good actor, he has style and humor, and I can imagine him in his underwear without blushing. (25/02/2011)

This film is already eighty-four years old, but I can say that it looks younger. I didn't expect much from it, but it pleasantly surprised me because it entertained me throughout, despite some simplified views on certain situations, and even the romantic part didn't bother me at all. Greta Garbo was excellent in her role. The humor still worked well for me today; it made me laugh and forget about everything that bothered me for a moment. / "The apartment may suit your convenience...but I doubt whether it will fit your convictions." / "I'm ashamed to put a picture of Lenin in a room like this." / Lesson learned: A true comrade must make sure not to succumb to the temptations of the rotten bourgeois West. (07/07/2023)

Greta Garbo is beautiful and entertaining, which might not have been expected from her. As a Russian, she is simply amazing, but it is also given by the story, which is actually a romantic spark between two people who have completely different views. But love is simply unpredictable. It works among the selected actors, plus there are intrigues that add spice to it. Entertaining dramatic romance. (28/08/2014)