Doctor Zhivago Reviews

Classic!

'Doctor Zhivago' is a film whose like we will not see again. This was one of the last gasps of true epic film making, a story of human beings set against a vast historical panorama, made without any computer-generated images and featuring only people to keep your interest, with not a space alien or hobbit in sight. Who can believe now that there was a time when that was sufficient?

I first saw this film when I was 8 years old. Certainly I was not able at that time to understand all aspects and nuances of the story, but I was nonetheless mesmerized by the production: the sheer scope and spectacle of it, the absolutely glorious cinematography, the rich characters. It was unforgettable to me, and along with a few other films from that period like 'The Sound of Music', fostered a lifelong love for movies. For that alone, I have a soft spot in my heart for this film and will always be grateful for it (and David Lean).

So, I admit I'm prejudiced. I'm unabashedly in love with this movie, and find it hard to take criticism of it even when the rational part of me acknowledges that there might be some accuracy in it. We all have our weaknesses! Its especially blasphemous to me to hear anyone criticize Julie Christie as Lara - even as an 8 year old who wasn't too fond of girls, I thought she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen and well, she's still right up there on my list! For those people who question why Yuri would be with her when he was married to Tanya...well, look at her for God's sakes (no disrespect to the lovely Geraldine Chaplin)! Is any further justification really needed? As to the ingrate who slammed her performance and downgraded her subsequent career implying she had no talent, it has always been my impression from all I've read that Miss Christie has never been one of those to pursue stardom and her career at all costs. She certainly had many opportunities to do splashy commercial films, but instead has had an interesting, long and varied career working in quality projects with many great filmmakers (Truffaut, Schlesinger, Altman, Beatty, Lumet, Branagh, etc.) She has been true to herself and has proven to be an outstanding talent. There are certainly many more deserving targets for the gentleman to heap venom upon than this wonderful actress.

'Doctor Zhivago' was a reflection in the 60's of the 1930's 'Gone With the Wind' and a precursor to the 1990's 'Titanic': a sweeping love story with charismatic leads set against a cataclysmic event. Old-fashioned undeniably, but would you really want it any other way? I still find myself able to be swept up in it though I've seen it umpteen times, so whatever flaws it may possess, there must be something inherently powerful in it that draws me to it. Or else I'm just a sucker for Julie Christie, I don't know...

www.maximnilov.com

The best photographed film ever.

I love this film, an excellence story line laid over the immense story of the Russian revolution. The photography is incredible, from the scenes in the ice-bound areas of Siberia to the shots of the dam, every one is stunning.

Brilliant Classic

A really nice film. A classic worth watching.

One thing to bear in mind is the DVD has 2 sides- so when Disc 1 ends turn the DVD over in the machine, like an old record, and watch the 2nd half. I sent the first DVD back not realising and had to get Disc 1 back!

[Highly rated reviewer]

A true epic

Gone With The Wind in Russia more or less and for that reason I'm not sure I can rate it as a masterpiece. A true epic love story which really could have done with an extra half hour tagging on where the main love story could have been explored. I think that although the revolution was portrayed very well, the love story took a back seat at times which diluted its impact. Despite that it was an excellent picture and again the cinematography was fantastic.

A fantastic film with beautiful scenes.I loved every moment of it. If you want to be lost in the timeless magic of the RUSSIAN Revolution with a love story, then you can't go wrong with this classic.

Fading memory

Well, I seem to recall the last time I saw this movie it lasted 4hrs but I was 9yrs old and maybe that was my perception of time?! I decided it was time I watched it again, after all it is a 'classic'.

I was pretty disppointed to be honest, the scenery and acting were faultless but I was completely clueless as to what Rod Stiegers character had done to be hated so much. Obviously this is a film where having read the book is a requirement. Only through listening to the audio commentary I did discover his crime was to have wanted to bed both mother and daughter.

Wonderfully filmed, hard to believe the majority of it was filmed in Spain but maybe they condensed the story a little too much.

Romance in Frozen Russia

A typical David Lean big production that could have been made to show in one and half hours or less rather than the 200 minutes the film takes up.

That said, it is still a good story and well acted by all the stars. The sets are also very good - hard to believe that the Ice Palace sequence was actually shot in Spain.

So if you have nothing to do for a couple of hours then have a go at this one

Very good

A very good classic movie, i enjoyed this very much despite the length of it! Would definitely watch it again. :o)

[Highly rated reviewer]

Elephants auditioning for Swan Lake

If any of us decide to stop and abuse somebody on the street, we will undoubtedly get locked up charged with assault. David Lean, stone faced Christie, talentless Sharif crucified what in my opinion is one of the greatest works of literature...and not only got away with it but got Oscars....I am heartsore for Pasternak

Good watching

Worth watching and very entertaining, Suggested for Adult Viewing to be appreciated.