Ninotchka (1939)

All Critics (30) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (31) | Rotten (1) | DVD (8)

This one is neither crude clowning nor crude prejudice, but a literate and knowingly directed satire which lands many a shrewd crack about phony Five Year Plans, collective farms, Communist jargon and pseudo-scientific gab.

January 15, 2013 Full Review

Whittaker Chambers

TIME Magazine

Top Critic

Ninotchka is delicate flirtation and political satire made into a perfect whole, and a reminder of skills that studio writers have largely lost.

December 27, 2012 Full Review

Joshua Rothkopf

Time Out New York

Top Critic

Selection of Ernst Lubitsch to pilot Garbo in her first light performance in pictures proves a bull's-eye.

February 3, 2009 Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Top Critic

The satire may be mostly a matter of easy contrasts, but the lovers inhabit a world of elegance and poise that is uniquely and movingly Lubitsch's.

February 3, 2009 Full Review

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

It's still consistently amusing, and Garbo throws herself into the fray with engaging vigour.

January 26, 2006 Full Review

Time Out

Top Critic

One of the sprightliest comedies of the year.

May 20, 2003 Full Review

Frank S. Nugent

New York Times

Top Critic

This column has generally no quarrel with scene-to-scene entertainment, serving a legitimate demand for relaxation, though it adds up to nothing. But the entertaining gags of this picture add up to something, and it is not pleasant.

January 18, 2013 Full Review

Franz Hoellering

The Nation

Iridescent and teaming with vitality, Garbo glows in her penultimate film.

February 10, 2012 Full Review

David Parkinson

Empire Magazine

Ninotchka stands as one of the finest films Lubitsch made. It was reportedly one of the director's own favorites among his films, and it's easy to see why.

March 1, 2011 Full Review

Matt Bailey

Not Coming to a Theater Near You

Great, but kids may need historical context.

December 26, 2010 Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

The masterpiece among Lubitsch's later films.

November 23, 2009 Full Review

Tim Brayton

Antagony & Ecstasy

It's comedy is rooted in classic sentimentality, but the dialog is often hammer and sickle sharp.

February 11, 2009 Full Review

Cole Abaius

Film School Rejects

It is a film that blends pratfalls and a sophisticated comedy of manners.

February 3, 2009 Full Review

Film4

This was Garbo's first comedy and second last film. And it's a unique role for her, first because she starts off as a dour, cold comrade with no sense of humour, and second because she laughs herself into a love of capitalist vices.

April 5, 2008 Full Review

Urban Cinefile Critics

Urban Cinefile

It's Garbo's next-to-last film and first American comedy.

February 20, 2008 Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

MGM announced to the world: Garbo Laughs! In a major departure from her screen image, Garbo brings incredibly sensual abandon to her role of a glum, scientifically trained Bolshevik envoy who succumbs to Parisian decadence of romance and champagne.

September 11, 2006 Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Garbo laughs ... and the rest of us revel in a comedy delight.

March 3, 2006

Carol Cling

Las Vegas Review-Journal

It's a delightful affair, full of sparkling wit and wisecracks. (Greta Garbo Signature Collection)

September 6, 2005 Full Review

John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

...thanks to Garbo, its supporting cast, and director Ernst Lubitsch's magic touch, it remains one of Hollywood's most sparkling products.

September 6, 2005 Full Review

John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

• 1. Ninotchka: If it's a choice between my personal interest and the good of my country how can I waiver? No one shall say Ninotchka was a bad Russian.
  – Submitted by Christopher B (45 days ago)
• 1. Russian Visa Official: Hello. Camrade Kasavi? Oh I'm sorry, he hasn't been with us for six months. He was called back to Russia and was investigated. You can get further details from his widow. You're very welcome.
  – Submitted by Christopher B (45 days ago)
• 1. Russian Visa Official: Well everything is in order. I hope you will enjoy your trip to Russia, Madame.
  2. Gossip: Thank you. Oh, by the way, I've heard so many rumors about laundry conditions in Russia. Is it advisable to take one's own towels?
  3. Russian Visa Official: Certainly not Madame. That is only capitalistic propaganda. We change the towel every week.
  – Submitted by Christopher B (45 days ago)
• 1. Ninotchka: No one can be so happy without being punished.
  – Submitted by Christopher B (45 days ago)
• 1. Grand Duchess Swana: Yes, you're quite right about the Cossacks. We made a great mistake when we let them use their whips. They had such reliable guns.
  – Submitted by Christopher B (45 days ago)
• 1. Ninotchka: Gentlemen, would you like to go out? Here are 50 Francs - bring me back 45.
  – Submitted by Christopher B (45 days ago)

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