La Garçonnière

I’m not surprised by all the Oscar nominations. Because of its age, this film seems a bit old-school, like something from a bygone era, but it has a kind spirit that entertains effortlessly and doesn’t offend anyone in any way, which we are used to from today‘s comedies. It treats a classic, totally overused topic, but it’s conveyed in a cute, fun way. You can feel a bit of the drug-induced cheer of that era’s Hollywood, but it’s all very good-natured and inoffensive. (10/02/2020)

It’s well made, discreet, charming, and soaked in the nostalgia of black and white times. In addition, the film has the excellent central pairing of Lemmon-MacLaine, between whom things spark even without the red-book outbursts and overly cheap gestures. I don't know why, but I had the feeling that Wilder was making a visionary mockery of contemporary love comedies... (28/02/2007)

Any room in the student dorms could tell more interesting stories than this one about a cagey bastard who sucks up to his bosses by lending them a love nest for long winter evenings... But seriously, almost every other review mentioned Lemmon's civility. Which is interesting because I was annoyed by his utter incivility and overacting in an otherwise excellent film (especially the scene with the fever was deserving of chastisement). And it's even more obvious when confronted with the perfectly civil (ehem, ehem) and a charming performance from Shirley MacLaine. She just sits there all the time, while he runs around confusedly waving his arms like in a slapstick movie. (08/08/2010)

Pay attention, sentimental lovers. Whether you are searching for joy or melancholy, come to the Apartment, because you will cry, you will laugh, and until the very end, you will not know what to do with it. New Year's Eve projection 2007 (01/01/2008)

This film is evidence of the outstanding level of comedic production by American studios in the early 60s. It was a great opportunity for Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. A conversation film that will bring you joy even after several viewings. Overall impression: 90%. (21/01/2009)

I never wanted to go into The Apartment. The late Wilder stars like Lemmon or MacLaine (here representing a new type of beauty - after all, she is a star in the Audrey Hepburn era, right?) are never attractive on their own, but they need proper guidance, more than anyone else. The story has a certain charm, but its essence is brash and cruel at the same time, so the finale is highly questionable. But all this, managed by Wilder with considerable experience, has a certain level and now and then it is good to accept such experiences. Not to rest on our laurels, right? (25/01/2017)

I think this is one of those films that is perfect in every way. The perfect blend of romance, humor and drama, the perfect interplay of the central couple (even though they are both so different), the perfect Christmas atmosphere, plenty of memorable moments and especially the pleasant unpredictability of whether it will turn out well or not. After the closing credits, I had to see for myself that The Apartment really lasted two hours. I went by so fast. (01/02/2014)

An endearing, in many ways timeless film about a hard-pressed apartment that deservedly belongs to the hall of fame. The amazing character of Jack Lemmon, trapped in the snares of his job and head over heels in love with his supervisor's girlfriend, is amazing. Also amazing is Wilder's direction steeped in classic romance, witty, original but not too cloying – whether we are talking about the unique depiction of the American civil service as a stereotypical prison, where bigwigs with a name tag on their door bring their girlfriends to their apartments according to schedule, or the ending of the romantic plot, which, by today's standards, will certainly surprise everyone. However, I'm reluctant to give it a fifth star, after all, I have given this rating to many films (even romantic ones) that I simply enjoyed a lot more. When I become a professional nitpicker one day, the star promotion will surely not miss The Apartment :-) 85% (27/09/2013)

Drama / Comedy / Romance - I never expect to have fun when I see this combination of genres. Apparently, life still has some surprises up its sleeve for me. I enjoyed the story of a decent, conscientious office worker/love hotel manager. I didn't laugh so hard I cried, but it was an excellent drama that occasionally made me smile. The story was based on a clichéd (but still relevant) relationship between a young woman and an "unhappily" married man, but C.C. Baxter, played by Jack Lemmon, gave this predictable movie a whole other level. I was thrilled to watch every unintentionally cruel sentence uttered by Fran Kubelik tear the heartbroken lover to pieces. He always managed to collect himself, only to be dying in agonizing pain shortly after. Jack Lemmon was perfect, Shirley MacLaine was wonderful and charming, and the movie had much more to offer than it promised, leaving me in a very peculiar mood. I was delighted, hence the five stars. / "Where'll we go? My place or yours?" "Might as well go to mine. Everybody else does." / Lesson learned: Committing suicide in someone else's apartment is extremely inconsiderate. (02/04/2023)

I thought Baxter wouldn't stand up to his oppressors in the end. I also thought about how it would look nowadays, when he could secretly film them and then blackmail them. Great cast, with Jack Lemmon showing what an incredible performer he is, Shirley demonstrating human imperfection and a desire for affection in the wrong places. Superbly executed until the very end. (01/04/2015)