It's No Ninotchka
Dispel any notions that this movie shares any resemblance to Ninotchka beyond the purely superficial. It lacks the wit, humor and charm of the Ernst Lubitsch and Billy Wilder classic film.
Viveca Lindfors is pleasant enough, but lacks the gravitas of Garbo, and the male lead isn't a patch on Melvyn Douglas. And though the comic relief in the roles of the father and forlorn suitor are probably the best parts of the movie, unfortunately, one can't help but yearn for Iranoff, Buljanoff and Kopalski. But the biggest difference is the attitude toward women. Whereas Ninotchka is a devoted, honest and strong ideological woman softened by love, Anna is portrayed as a brainwashed follower who is deprogrammed to adhere (quite willingly) to her more acceptable feminine nature. Politics certainly plays a part in that distinction, but the expectations for gender roles is in stark contrast.
But enough of the inevitably unfavorable comparisons. The story is harmless enough, but even as broad comedy, never quite gels. Plot progression occurs a bit too easily and never really compels viewers to root for anyone, beyond the rather generic goal escaping the clutches of an authoritarian Czechoslovakian regime. Even when it tries to be noir-ish, it can only provide a thin veneer, evidenced by the dubious conclusion. Only 83 minutes and I was looking at my watch, that's really all one should need to know.
Viveca Lindfors is pleasant enough, but lacks the gravitas of Garbo, and the male lead isn't a patch on Melvyn Douglas. And though the comic relief in the roles of the father and forlorn suitor are probably the best parts of the movie, unfortunately, one can't help but yearn for Iranoff, Buljanoff and Kopalski. But the biggest difference is the attitude toward women. Whereas Ninotchka is a devoted, honest and strong ideological woman softened by love, Anna is portrayed as a brainwashed follower who is deprogrammed to adhere (quite willingly) to her more acceptable feminine nature. Politics certainly plays a part in that distinction, but the expectations for gender roles is in stark contrast.
But enough of the inevitably unfavorable comparisons. The story is harmless enough, but even as broad comedy, never quite gels. Plot progression occurs a bit too easily and never really compels viewers to root for anyone, beyond the rather generic goal escaping the clutches of an authoritarian Czechoslovakian regime. Even when it tries to be noir-ish, it can only provide a thin veneer, evidenced by the dubious conclusion. Only 83 minutes and I was looking at my watch, that's really all one should need to know.
- bjhex1
- May 27, 2023