SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

FeistyUpper If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Moustroll Good movie but grossly overrated

Odelecol Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

jpstewart-02578 Having watched Melvyn Douglas wonderfully interpret the character of the Dansker in the movie Billy Budd last week (the best thing in an otherwise OK movie) I am disappointed to say I found his performance a weakness in Ninotchka. Garbo is good, but no better. Sig Rumann and Felix Bressart are reasonably animated. This movie deserves a 6 out of ten rating but no better.

Kirpianuscus propaganda film, it remains seductive yet. and not only for the charming performance of Greta Garbo but for a form of humor who becomes very rare. because, after more than 75 years, Ninotchka is one of lovely manifestos about dictatorship, life and love, using, in wise manner, few small tricks for suggest the fragility of a political system and the clash between different cultures. and, in strange way, the words Garbo laughing is, in same measure, the axis of a film who seems be naif only at the first sigh. so, a delight. or a history page. or, for the public from the East, good opportunity to remember the atmosphere of every day under the Communism.

simon-mcdonald This film really has to be considered as one of my favorite comedies! I am a Greta Garbo fan but definitely do not think that makes me biased. The quality of the casting in this movie was absolutely superb. The entire cast excels, without any exception. Many might think that this movie might be a bit dated or cheesy when you look at it with modern eyes but they are definitely wrong and if they choose not to watch it will miss a great opportunity to see a truly excellent movie. Sometimes a person just has to enjoy a movie for what it is. Greta Garbo is not only very funny in this classic, she is inexpressibly lovely. A must-see for any who enjoys the classics and a great comedy.

Michael_Elliott Ninotchka (1939)*** 1/2 (out of 4)Terrific romantic-comedy about a stern Russian named Ninotchka (Greta Garbo) who is sent to Paris to look in on three men who were unable to sell some jewelry due to some legal issues. Once there Ninotchka strikes up a relationship with Leon (Melvyn Douglas) who has his own reasons for wanting the jewels. Director Ernst Lubitsch hits all the right moves with this film and turns it into one of the best of its type. It's easy to see why so many people consider 1939 to be the greatest year for movies and this one here is another one of the jewels from that era. Although I'd stop short of calling this a masterpiece, there's still no question that it features a legend at the top of her game and a terrific supporting cast around her. It's funny to see the original advertisements talk about Garbo laughing since this was a very rare thing. Just like her first talking picture, which MGM played up, the moment here when she finally laughs is just a classic scene and one of the most memorable. There are so many classic moments in this film but the majority of the credit has to go to Garbo who is simply wonderful. The stern way she plays this character is just so funny and her line deliveries are flawless. When it comes time for the character to break and have some fun the actress pulls this off remarkably well. It also helps that Douglas is so great in the film and perfectly plays off the actress. Ina Claire, Sig Ruman, Felix Bressart, Alexander Granach and Bela Lugosi are also very good in their supporting parts. NINOTCHKA is full of wonderfully funny moments from start to finish and it's easy to see why it's considered such a classic of its genre.