I'm a big fan of Silk Stockings. Big. And that puts the film it's based on, Ninotchka, at a disadvantage. It's got Ernst Lubitsch on its side, but that may not be enough. Yes, some good comedy, but I think hampered by a lack of chemistry from the stars. Melvyn Douglas has always been just okay for me, while Greta Garbo plays the stern Soviet envoy he woos as if she were tired or bored through most of the film. I kept comparing them to Astaire and Charisse and finding them lacking. Silk Stockings has a more interesting plot about cultural exports, while Ninotchka has a more ordinary confiscated jewels story. It creates a pretty mean villain, but generally the musical keeps all the best bits and replaces the rest with memorable song and dance. But like I said, I'm quite biased. Ninotchka was thus of interest to me - my heart skipped when I saw the origin of the later film's title, like an archaeologist uncovering an artifact in the sand - but I have no need to ever revisit it. And I'm a little bummed about that.
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Skyscore
http://www.afisha.ru/movie/166813/review/146536/TheMajor
No Lubitsch Touch.b4rdum
Reactionary propaganda.Warrison
A fun watch. My favourite line of the movie."A radio is a box you buy on an instalment plan.
Before you tune it in, they tell you there's a new model out"
Dieguito
Nice, but Trouble in Paradise and To Be or Not to Be from Lubitsch are thousand times better. And Greta Garbo performs better in Camille.thesearethethoughts
I really could not get past the xenophobia.Siskoid
I'm a big fan of Silk Stockings. Big. And that puts the film it's based on, Ninotchka, at a disadvantage. It's got Ernst Lubitsch on its side, but that may not be enough. Yes, some good comedy, but I think hampered by a lack of chemistry from the stars. Melvyn Douglas has always been just okay for me, while Greta Garbo plays the stern Soviet envoy he woos as if she were tired or bored through most of the film. I kept comparing them to Astaire and Charisse and finding them lacking. Silk Stockings has a more interesting plot about cultural exports, while Ninotchka has a more ordinary confiscated jewels story. It creates a pretty mean villain, but generally the musical keeps all the best bits and replaces the rest with memorable song and dance. But like I said, I'm quite biased. Ninotchka was thus of interest to me - my heart skipped when I saw the origin of the later film's title, like an archaeologist uncovering an artifact in the sand - but I have no need to ever revisit it. And I'm a little bummed about that.Ralf
Golden age films always make me wonder if people really were that honest about their feelings back then or if it was just a "movie thing".Greta Garbo!
Shlepa
So funny.chryzsh
This movie is a perfect blend of romance and political ideas. Absolutely fantastic direction by Lubitschfrdirector
Garbo is brilliant here! Never get bored watching this movie.Jumping Elephant
My first Garbo film... and I absolutely loved every minute of it.Ivan0716
Not Lubitsch's best, but Garbo...hilariousity
I loved it. A charming little film.Nuked
"Russians! I love Russians! I have been fascinated with your 5-year plan for the past 15 years."