The Apartment

This film is evidence of the outstanding level of comedic production by American studios in the early 60s. It was a great opportunity for Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. A conversation film that will bring you joy even after several viewings. Overall impression: 90%. (01/21/2009)

An endearing, in many ways timeless film about a hard-pressed apartment that deservedly belongs to the hall of fame. The amazing character of Jack Lemmon, trapped in the snares of his job and head over heels in love with his supervisor's girlfriend, is amazing. Also amazing is Wilder's direction steeped in classic romance, witty, original but not too cloying – whether we are talking about the unique depiction of the American civil service as a stereotypical prison, where bigwigs with a name tag on their door bring their girlfriends to their apartments according to schedule, or the ending of the romantic plot, which, by today's standards, will certainly surprise everyone. However, I'm reluctant to give it a fifth star, after all, I have given this rating to many films (even romantic ones) that I simply enjoyed a lot more. When I become a professional nitpicker one day, the star promotion will surely not miss The Apartment :-) 85% (09/27/2013)

I thought Baxter wouldn't stand up to his oppressors in the end. I also thought about how it would look nowadays, when he could secretly film them and then blackmail them. Great cast, with Jack Lemmon showing what an incredible performer he is, Shirley demonstrating human imperfection and a desire for affection in the wrong places. Superbly executed until the very end. (04/01/2015)

I’m not surprised by all the Oscar nominations. Because of its age, this film seems a bit old-school, like something from a bygone era, but it has a kind spirit that entertains effortlessly and doesn’t offend anyone in any way, which we are used to from today‘s comedies. It treats a classic, totally overused topic, but it’s conveyed in a cute, fun way. You can feel a bit of the drug-induced cheer of that era’s Hollywood, but it’s all very good-natured and inoffensive. (02/10/2020)

I think this is one of those films that is perfect in every way. The perfect blend of romance, humor and drama, the perfect interplay of the central couple (even though they are both so different), the perfect Christmas atmosphere, plenty of memorable moments and especially the pleasant unpredictability of whether it will turn out well or not. After the closing credits, I had to see for myself that The Apartment really lasted two hours. I went by so fast. (02/01/2014)