Ninotchka Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Russian lady learns to laugh and wear hats, proving that capitalism is just a good joke away from world peace.

🍿 Ninotchka: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Paris

Three Russian officials, Buljanoff, Iranoff, and Kopalski, are sent to Paris to sell jewels confiscated from Grand Duchess Swana. They quickly become enamored with the luxuries of capitalist society, delaying the sale and indulging in lavish accommodations. This attracts the attention of their superiors, who decide to send a stern envoy to oversee the operation.

Enter Ninotchka

Nina Ivanovna Yakushova, nicknamed Ninotchka, arrives in Paris as the no-nonsense special envoy. She is a dedicated communist, unimpressed by the city’s glamour and determined to complete the mission. Her rigid adherence to Soviet principles clashes with the lifestyle of her colleagues and the sophisticated Parisian atmosphere.

Romance Blossoms

Ninotchka encounters Count Leon d’Algout, a charming playboy and supporter of the Grand Duchess. Initially, their interactions are marked by ideological clashes and witty banter. However, Leon’s charm gradually chips away at Ninotchka’s stoicism, and she begins to experience the joys of Parisian life, ultimately falling in love with him.

Ideological Conflict

As Ninotchka embraces her newfound love and the allure of capitalism, a conflict arises between her personal desires and her loyalty to the Soviet Union. Grand Duchess Swana, determined to reclaim her jewels, complicates matters by exploiting Ninotchka’s dedication to her country. This forces Ninotchka to make a difficult choice between love and duty.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ninotchka (Greta Garbo): A stern Soviet envoy sent to Paris to oversee the sale of jewels, who unexpectedly falls in love with a charming Parisian.
• Leon (Melvyn Douglas): A charming Parisian count who is initially tasked with stopping the jewel sale but falls for Ninotchka.
• Swana (Ina Claire): The Grand Duchess, former owner of the jewels, who seeks to reclaim them and also competes for Leon’s affections.
• Iranoff (Sig Ruman): One of the three Russian officials initially sent to Paris to sell the jewels, easily swayed by capitalist luxuries.
• Buljanoff (Felix Bressart): Another of the Russian officials sent to Paris, who quickly succumbs to the allure of Parisian decadence.
• Kopalski (Alexander Granach): The third Russian official, also easily tempted by the luxuries of capitalist society in Paris.
• Razinin (Bela Lugosi): Ninotchka’s supervisor in Moscow, representing the rigid Soviet system.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ninotchka: “Don’t make an issue of my womanhood.” – Ninotchka says this dismissively when Leon attempts to charm her upon their first encounter.
• Ninotchka: “The last mass trials were a great success. There are going to be fewer but better Russians.” – Ninotchka states this matter-of-factly when asked about the situation in Moscow, showcasing her dedication to the party line.
• Ninotchka: “We don’t have men like you in my country.” – Ninotchka delivers this line to Leon, highlighting the differences between Soviet society and the West and implying his frivolous nature.
• Leon: “Ninotchka, it’s midnight. One half of Paris is making love to the other half.” – Leon tries to persuade Ninotchka to embrace the romance and beauty of Paris.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,365,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $2,477

💥 Ninotchka Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Ninotchka! It was such a refreshing surprise to see Greta Garbo in a comedy. I’d only ever seen her in dramatic roles, and she was brilliant! The scene where Melvyn Douglas is trying to make her laugh is iconic, and I found myself laughing along with her. The story is clever and witty, and I loved the way it gently satirized both communism and capitalism. It’s definitely a movie I’ll watch again and again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in films with social commentary”
  • “Admirers of Greta Garbo and Ernst Lubitsch”
  • “Those seeking witty and sophisticated humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild political satire”
  • “Brief depiction of alcohol consumption”
  • “Thematic elements related to ideological conflict”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Ninotchka is a delightful satire that manages to be both lighthearted and sharply critical of ideologies. Garbo shines in her first comedic role, displaying a surprising talent for physical comedy and witty banter. Lubitsch’s direction is masterful, creating a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
• Variety: “Garbo laughs, and so will audiences! Ninotchka is a brilliantly crafted comedy with sharp wit and stellar performances. The script is clever, and the pacing is impeccable, making it a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience. Its humor hasn’t aged, proving how good the story is.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Ninotchka remains as funny and insightful as it was upon release. It’s a masterclass in comedic timing and social satire. Greta Garbo shows a previously unseen range. The film’s ability to poke fun at serious political issues while maintaining a charming romantic storyline is timeless.

Audience Reactions

Garbo’s transformation from stern Soviet to joyful woman is incredibly heartwarming and funny.: Audiences praise Garbo’s comedic skills, the film’s wit, and its ability to balance humor with social commentary.

The scene where Garbo laughs for the first time is pure cinematic gold!: Many viewers highlight the humor, romance, and charm, finding it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Overall Consensus: Ninotchka is a beloved classic praised for its sharp wit, stellar performances, and its ability to balance humor with social commentary. It remains a timeless cinematic treasure.

Awards

1. New York Film Critics Circle Awards (Best Actress)- 1939

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s tagline, ‘Garbo Laughs!’, was a major marketing point, as Greta Garbo was primarily known for her dramatic roles and rarely smiled on screen.”
• “Billy Wilder received his first Academy Award nomination for his work on the screenplay.”
• “The film was banned in the Soviet Union for its satirical portrayal of Soviet life and ideology.”
• “The success of ‘Ninotchka’ led to a 1957 musical adaptation, ‘Silk Stockings’, starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse.”
• “Bela Lugosi’s role was relatively small, but his presence added a layer of intrigue due to his fame as a horror actor.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ninotchka?

Ninotchka is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services such as HBO Max or Criterion Channel, which often feature classic films.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ninotchka, you might like these similar films:

• Comrade X (1940): A comedic take on Soviet-American relations during WWII, with similar satirical elements.
• One, Two, Three (1961): Billy Wilder satire about Cold War tensions in West Berlin with fast-paced humor.
• His Girl Friday (1940): Fast-paced screwball comedy with sharp dialogue and witty banter, reflecting the era’s humor.
• Silk Stockings (1957): Musical remake of ‘Ninotchka,’ offering a similar story with song and dance.

🛒 Ninotchka Related Products

• Ninotchka (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A meticulously restored Blu-ray edition of Ninotchka from The Criterion Collection, featuring insightful commentary, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and rare archival materials.
• Greta Garbo: A Life Apart: A biography delving into the life and career of Greta Garbo, exploring her iconic roles and the mystique that surrounded her, with behind-the-scenes stories and rare photographs.
• Ninotchka Movie Poster – Reproduction Vintage Print: A high-quality reproduction of the original 1939 Ninotchka movie poster, capturing the film’s classic aesthetic and featuring Greta Garbo in her iconic pose.
• Communism vs Capitalism: The COLD WAR! Board Game: A strategy board game where players take on the roles of capitalist or communist nations, competing for global influence through economic and political maneuvering.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ninotchka features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “L’Internationale” – performed by Orchestral
• “Parisian Cafe Music” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What Perfect Dialogue Sounds Like

Ever wondered what makes the dialogue in ‘Ninotchka’ so incredibly sharp? This video breaks down the genius of Billy Wilder’s writing, revealing the secrets behind the film’s witty exchanges. Honestly, after watching this, you’ll appreciate the movie’s brilliance even more!

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