It is interesting to contemplate the degree to which film artists like Ernst Lubitsch and Billy Wilder would be in their element and flourish in today's world in their ability to make a film satire. "Ninotchka" is deservedly a classic that merits repeated viewings for the subtle humor and strong social and political message.
Much credit belongs to Greta Garbo for her sublime performance as a starched Soviet envoy, who is completely transformed by Parisian "capitalist" culture. The scene where she becomes drunk is incomparable.
But with any good satire, there is always a serious message underlying the hijinks of the comedy. In this case, there is a salient moment when Ninotchka has returned to the Soviet Union and receives a letter from Leon that has been redacted by the authorities. Ninotchka sighs and says to her three comrades, "They can't censor our memories." This unforgettable moment is at the core of the film's social message.
Some of the satirical humor was outlandish, especially in the allusions to the Stalin purges of the late 1930s. In this regard, the three amigos who are negotiating the release of the jewels were brilliant in exposing the repressive rule of Stalin.
The luminous presence of Miss Garbo, the snappy dialogue of Billy Wilder, and the crisp direction of Lubitsch make "Ninotchka" a film for the ages.
Much credit belongs to Greta Garbo for her sublime performance as a starched Soviet envoy, who is completely transformed by Parisian "capitalist" culture. The scene where she becomes drunk is incomparable.
But with any good satire, there is always a serious message underlying the hijinks of the comedy. In this case, there is a salient moment when Ninotchka has returned to the Soviet Union and receives a letter from Leon that has been redacted by the authorities. Ninotchka sighs and says to her three comrades, "They can't censor our memories." This unforgettable moment is at the core of the film's social message.
Some of the satirical humor was outlandish, especially in the allusions to the Stalin purges of the late 1930s. In this regard, the three amigos who are negotiating the release of the jewels were brilliant in exposing the repressive rule of Stalin.
The luminous presence of Miss Garbo, the snappy dialogue of Billy Wilder, and the crisp direction of Lubitsch make "Ninotchka" a film for the ages.