|
| • Advanced Search • Help |
Ninotchka | Year: 1939 Directed: - Ernst Lubitsch Actors/Actresses: - Greta Garbo - Melvyn Douglas "Not radio. Let's have music that's just for ourselves." Ninotchka is a funny, well-written film with a good dash of romance showcasing Greta Garbo's beautiful, expressive eyes. <BR>Her unlikely relationship with Melvyn Douglas is a hit; one that you hope will succeed. The only flaw in the film is its characterization of Soviet Russians as buffoons (contrast the simpleton emissaries with the multi-faceted duchess) and its constant smug references to the superiority of the U.S. political system. Initially these references are just another facet of the good comedy: "I've been fascinated by your five year plan for the past 15 years" but after awhile they wear thin: [the man walking through another's apartment to get to his own or the line about the bird leaving a crumb of black bread]. Nevertheless, the action and the script, taken as a whole, is very smart and very funny. It includes some great romantic lines such as when a wooing Douglas (referring Garbo to a clock) says, "Look, one hand has met the other hand...they've kissed." Garbo is the star. I didn't have any pre-conceived expectations of what she wouldn't do but the laugh scene in the cafe is certainly one of the highlights and key moments of the film--one that will likely have you laughing too. Delightfully entertaining, Greta Garbo is wonderful! When three Russians, Iranoff (Sig Ruman), Buljanoff (Felix Bressart), and Kopalski (Alexander Granach), go to Paris to sell some jewels, trouble is sure to begin when the Grand Duchess Swana (Ina Claire) finds out. The reason? Because the jewels the three Russians are trying to sell originally belonged to her! With the help of her good friend, Count Leon d'Algout (Melvyn Douglas), they make it so that the jewels can't be sold unless the matter is brought to court. As Leon makes the Russians completely comfortable in the 'terribly Capitalistic city of Paris', envoy extradinaire Ninotchka (Greta Garbo) is sent to fix matters up. Strangely enough, Leon falls head over heals in love with the dour and stiff Ninotchka, even when he is told by her that love is only a 'chemical reaction'. But how can Ninotchka keep believing that when she begins to not only begin loving Paris, but to begin falling in love with Leon? Believe it or not, this is my first Greta Garbo movie to watch! And I immediately fell in love with her style of acting. She just shines in her role as the 'seemingly' dull and unattrative Russian woman. But, I mean literally, she just seems to become more and more beautiful as we see the real woman inside of her. And as many other reviewers mentioned, when she laughs, it was just so charming, you couldn't help but smile and laugh along! Melvyn Douglas was equally charming in his role and the perfect example of a 'decadent and capitalistic gentleman'. He is so full of charm you can't help but smile the whole time he's on the screen. There are plenty of other notable cast members (the three Russians and the Grand Duchess) but Greta Garbo and Melvyn Douglas are who really add the sugar and spice the movie. The humor is incredibly well incorporated into the film. Oh, how I miss the wit and humor of the oldies! "Ninotchka" is not far from being one of the best comedies of the 1930's to the 1950's. With plenty of gags, wit, sarcasm, and yes, some slapstick humor, I guarantee you'll laugh so hard you'll cry! Some of my most favorite lines are: Ninotchka: We don't have men like you in my country. <BR>Leon: Thank you. <BR>Ninotchka: That is why I believe in the future of my country. Ninotchka: Why do you want to carry my bags? <BR>Porter: That is my business. <BR>Ninotchka: That's no business. That's social injustice. <BR>Porter: That depends on the tip. Ninotchka: Must you flirt? <BR>Leon: Well, I don't have to, but I find it natural. Ninotchka: Suppress it. The ending is extremely lovely and I love the romance in the movie. Greta Garbo and Melvyn Douglas make such a great duo. My advice to you is, if you love the old comedies, watch "Ninotchka". With its beautiful acting, story, humor, and romance, I'm sure it'll become a favorite of yours. I also highly recommend MGM Cole Porter's musical, "Silk Stockings". Made in 1957, it has the same basic story outline of "Ninotchka", but made into a mus Garbo's great comedic role Yet another yummy Ernst Lubitsch comedy, this time starring the often-dour Greta Garbo as a humorless Soviet agent who is seduced by Western materialism (and a dashing, jovial Melvyn Douglas) while on a mission in Paris. Some may find the film's political aspects to be dated -- but hey, that's totally the point! Lubitsch manages to lampoon both Stalin-era communism and the American stereotypes of the French (as libertine sensualists) all at one time... And while the Soviet state is roundly mocked, the plight of its people is not, so that Garbo's character is given her dignity and honor... as well as some swell close-ups and nice clothes! The best part of this film is her transformation from a robotic, literal-minded Party functionary into a fully-rounded human being... The scene in which Douglas tries to crack Ninotchka's icy facade, telling jokes and acting up in order to provoke a laugh or a smile, while she rebuffs his every overture in a clipped, chilly monotone, is one of Garbo's best performances, and a brilliant comedic stroke for Lubitsch. In effect, the manic, wisecracking Douglas is turned into a straight man for Garbo, whose minimalistic delivery controls the scene, in an almost Steven Wright-like manner. And, of course, the rest of the film is a delight as well. A fascinating, frivolous look at prewar European politics, and a real humdinger of a screwball comedy, with a clever, snappy script co-written by Billy Wilder. What's not to enjoy, comrade? Buy Ninotchka at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Ninotchka Search with the Priority Search Engine on Ninotchka This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
|
