← Back to results
Ninotchka
1939 110 min United States of America 12+
★8.3
Comedy, Romance
Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Trailers
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
Description
A stern Russian woman sent to Paris on official business finds herself attracted to a man who represents everything she is supposed to detest.
Budget:
$1.37M
Worldwide:
$2.28M
Starring
Greta Garbo
Actor
Melvyn Douglas
Actor
Ina Claire
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Picture
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Plot
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Actress
Key opinion
Ninotchka is widely regarded as a classic of Hollywood's Golden Age, celebrated for its witty screenplay and the iconic comedic performance of Greta Garbo. While the film is appreciated for its charming romance and satirical humor, it remains a subject of debate regarding its political framing and historical accuracy.
| Acting | Greta Garbo shines in her first major comedic role, effectively transitioning from icy commissar to a woman transformed by romance. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is lauded for its razor-sharp, witty dialogue that maintains engagement throughout the film. | |
| Acting | The film features a strong supporting cast, particularly the trio of Soviet emissaries whose comedic timing provides some of the film's most memorable scenes. | |
| Direction | Ernst Lubitsch’s direction balances lighthearted romance with satirical observations, creating a cohesive and pleasant viewing experience. | |
| Culture | The portrayal of Soviet characters is a point of contention; some see it as a light, satirical trope, while others criticize it as a reductive and inaccurate caricature of Soviet life. | |
| Theme | Opinions on the film's political stance are divided, with some viewers viewing it as a harmless, non-judgmental romantic comedy and others as an explicitly anti-Soviet work that intentionally distorts historical reality. |