Review of Ninotchka (1939) by Eric H — 12 Jul 2016

Simply put, this is a perfect and charming story. It moves along smoothly and effectively and it never makes a wrong turn. What may be most interesting about it is the amount of facts and information the screenwriters injected into the story.

Today, any historical account of a past time would for the most part avoid discussing what actually happened and just stick to the present. Here, the film was released just as World War II was beginning and the Soviet Union was quickly becoming a major player in world affairs.

There are large monologues where the characters are discussing the beliefs of the communistic society compared to a capitalistic society. Ernst Lubitsch directs with his usual wit and flair while also poking fun at serious subjects at the time.

Garbo gives perhaps her finest performance and Melvyn Douglas has never been more suave. A true masterpiece of the Golden Age, Ninotchka is not to be missed by anyone who loves the movies.