Ninotchka (1939)

[zen007]

Film: Ninotchka (1939)
Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Oscars: 0

A disciplined comrade travels to Paris tasked with selling jewelry of Russian aristocrats to fund government projects. Despite her dislike for the capitalist society, she falls in love with a count.

• Story/Screenplay: Masterfully written with superb sequences and witty dialogues. (10/10)
• Acting: Greta Garbo as Ninotchka is brilliant in her comic role. Melvyn Douglas is witty. The supporting cast is likable. (9/10)
• Cinematography: The focus here is keeping things simple, which works for the film. (7/10)
• Background score: Does its job. (7/10)
• Direction: Solid direction to craft a memorable film that stands the test of time. (10/10)
• Uniqueness/Impact: Garbo's performance may have inspired Arnold's in Red Heat. Overall, Greta Garbo in a comedy film, fine performances by the rest of the cast, and witty dialogues make it a memorable experience. (10/10)

Overall score: 53/60 = 88% = 8.8/10 (Great 9-10, Good 7-8, Average 5-6, Bad 3-4, Worst 1-2)


I do not recall watching too many Garbo films. Therefore, this is probably like my first Garbo film. I enjoyed her performance in a comedy role. Ninotchka is probably her first comedy film and good to see it stand the test of time.

How do you rate Ninotchka? Which is your favorite Garbo film/performance?