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Ninotchka is a romantic comedy from 1939, directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, and Ina Claire. The movie tells the story of Nina Ivanovna Yakushova, a serious and stoic Soviet envoy, known as Ninotchka, who is sent to Paris to oversee the sale of some jewelry that belonged to the Russian Grand Duchess Swana.

Ninotchka arrives in Paris with two of her colleagues, Iranoff and Buljanoff, both of whom are excited to be in the city of light, but Ninotchka maintains her composure and focus on the task at hand. However, as soon as they arrive, they are greeted by Count Leon d'Algout (Melvyn Douglas), a charming and sophisticated playboy who tries to show them the beauty and fun of Paris. He invites them to a luxurious hotel and treats them to a delicious meal, but Ninotchka keeps talking about the mission, showing no interest in the city or the count.

The next day, Ninotchka meets Swana, the owner of the jewelry, and while she insists on a fair price for the goods, she is fascinated with Swana's necklace, which has a significant emotional value for her. In the meantime, the count keeps trying to seduce Ninotchka, inviting her to the cabaret, showing her the city's landmarks, and introducing her to his friends. Ninotchka keeps rejecting his advances, but she begins to see the city and its people in a different light.

As the negotiations continue, Ninotchka and the count start to develop feelings for each other, leading to some comic misunderstandings and mishaps. However, their relationship is hampered by the ideological differences between them, as Ninotchka remains loyal to her country and its political principles. In the end, Ninotchka must choose between love and duty, leading to a touching and romantic finale.

Ninotchka was a groundbreaking movie at the time, as it tackled the Cold War tensions and the clash of ideologies in a humorous and sophisticated way. Greta Garbo delivers an outstanding performance as Ninotchka, displaying her skills as a dramatic actress as well as her comedic timing. Melvyn Douglas is also excellent as the charming and suave count, bringing a lightness and warmth to the movie. Ina Claire provides a delightful supporting role as the eccentric and flamboyant grand duchess Swana, adding some sparkle and glamour to the storyline.

The movie was also notable for its witty and sophisticated dialogues, which were the hallmark of Ernst Lubitsch's style. The director infuses the movie with a sophisticated and ironic tone, highlighting the absurdity of the ideological differences between the characters and exposing the human emotions that transcend them. Lubitsch's use of music, visual gags, and subtle gestures also adds to the charm and elegance of the movie.

Ninotchka was a critical and commercial success, earning four Academy Award nominations and cementing Greta Garbo's status as a Hollywood icon. The movie remains a classic of the romantic comedy genre and a testament to the timeless appeal of love, humor, and human connection in the face of political strife.

Ninotchka is a 1939 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.