Doctor Zhivago (1965)

David Lean's Doctor Zhivago, based on the novel of the same name, tells the story of a Russian doctor, Doctor Zhivago. The film takes place during a tumultuous period in Russia from around 1905 to 1921 which includes Bloody Sunday, the 1905 Revolution, World War 1, the Russian Revolution, the Russian Civil War, and the establishment of the Soviet Union. The film's plot is most famous for a love story between Doctor Zhivago, his wife, and another woman although this didn't take up as much of the plot as I would have expected making the film far more interesting. While a knowledge of Russian history is not necessary to enjoy this film, it probably wouldn't help.

The film stars Omar Sharif in the title role. The film is over 3 hours and he is in nearly every scene so his role was quite demanding. This isn't the best acted performance I've seen in an epic film, but it was still pretty good. I'm surprised he wasn't even nominated for an Academy Award for this role although he did win a Golden Globe for it. The film also stars Julie Christie and Geraldine Chaplin as the two love interests. They do fine, but are less memorable. Alec Guinness is listed as a star in the film, but his role is very minor.

Upon its release, this film was immensely popular grossing over $100,000,000 at the box office. Adjusted for inflation it is the 8th highest-grossing American film of all-time. The film grossed more than all other David Lean films combined which is quite significant given the fact he directed two of the highest regarded films ever in Lawrence of Arabia and The Bridge on the River Kwai. The film's score is quite memorable and won one of the film's five Oscars.

Overall, this film felt like a Russian version of Gone With the Wind. Like that film, this film features a fairly complicated love story and has a Civil War in the middle. Both films are also quite long (although this one is half an hour shorter). I found Gone With the Wind to be slightly more interesting, but this is still a good effort and worth seeing.

79/100
C+

UP NEXT: To be determined.