Yks’ kaks’ kolme

It took me a lot of thinking, but in the end, considering the very high ratings on FilmBooster, I lean toward giving it only 3 stars, even though the film was highly above average within its genre and at its time and rightfully received audience acclaim. At the same time, I acknowledge that even after decades, it still feels fresh, and unlike many of its colleagues, its humor works. However, I really despise the way James Cagney (but especially Horst Buchholz) overact their characters to the point of absurd grotesque. If the same lines and jokes were delivered in a more civilized manner, so to speak, they would be much more effective. The same applies to some of the gags that are more suited for a folk comedy. The screenplay had more potential, but compared to, let's say, the legendary Some Like It Hot, it is too crazy and pandering to the audience. With the passage of time, I am much more impressed by Wilder's serious works. Overall impression: 65%. By the way, this comedy can also be considered a highly effective propaganda film in its own way, because it doesn't scare with communism, but cleverly mocks it. And for the knowledgeable, the scene of extracting a confession in espionage is uncomfortably accurate... (19.08.2014)

"Maybe we voted for the wrong man." - "That couldn't happen in Russia." - "They don't make mistakes?" - "No, they don't vote." An excellent comedy, just my cup of cof... Coca-Cola. The joke alternates with machine-gun cadence, the humor is so abundant that it would be enough for three good films, it is all so well thought out, gradually intensified and at the same time presented with immense ease and natural fluidity... I laughed from beginning to end and that hasn't happened to me in a long time. The actors are without exception great, no character is extra and everyone has a great moment. Just 100% perfect comedy. Absolutely. "They absolutely won't let us install Coca-Cola machines in the Reichstag." - "Sometimes I wonder who won the war." (14.11.2015)