Overview
A no-nonsense woman finds herself torn between duty and love in the City of Lights.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- urbane
- satirical
- classic movie night
- date night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a brilliantly written and directed romantic comedy elevated by Greta Garbo's performance, Melvyn Douglas's charm, and its sophisticated political satire.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ninotchka arrives in Paris to sell aristocratic jewels and gradually confronts the attractions of the capitalist world she condemns.
Ninotchka's no-nonsense Bolshevik convictions repeatedly clash with Count Leon's decadent, playful charm.
The initially severe Ninotchka becomes increasingly receptive to Parisian amusement and Leon's romantic pursuit.
The Grand Duchess's jewels motivate the Soviet delegation, Leon's injunction, and Ninotchka's mission.
Films like Ninotchka, and why
The Shop Around the Corner
shared screwball wit, romantic sparring, and sophisticated studio comedy
Trouble in Paradise
shared romantic comedy structure, urbane setting, and playful class satire
The Great Dictator
shared political satire, fish out of water romance, and brisk comic tone
Movie Details
- Director
- Ernst Lubitsch
- Release Date
- 1939-11-16
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Rating
- 7.5 / 10 (453)
Cast
- Greta Garbo
- Melvyn Douglas
- Ina Claire
- Bela Lugosi
- Sig Ruman
- Felix Bressart
- Alexander Granach
- Gregory Gaye
- Rolfe Sedan
- Edwin Maxwell
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Ninotchka about?
- A stern Soviet envoy sent to liquidate aristocratic jewels discovers that Parisian luxury, laughter, and a charming count complicate her convictions.
- What is Ninotchka like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ninotchka as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Ninotchka violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Ninotchka.
- What did critics think of Ninotchka?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a brilliantly written and directed romantic comedy elevated by Greta Garbo's performance, Melvyn Douglas's charm, and its sophisticated political satire.
- Which films are like Ninotchka?
- Films with a similar feel include The Shop Around the Corner, Trouble in Paradise, and The Great Dictator.
- How long is Ninotchka?
- Ninotchka runs 110 minutes.
- Where can I watch Ninotchka?
- In United States, Ninotchka is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
