Doctor Zhivago

An unforgettable experience with everything that has always made Lean's films legendary. The sweeping and spectacular story of a man plagued by love for two beautiful women in the Bolshevik heyday, filmed with a verve perhaps unique to Master Lean and supported by exceptional sets, music and, of course, the performances of the charismatic Sharif and the gorgeous Christie. Everything adds up and fits together so well that the 190 minutes are not enough and I would have welcomed some more. Dr. Zhivago does not surpass Bridge on the River Kwai or Lawrence of Arabia, but they are all at least equal siblings. 95% (01/04/2013)

A great romantic film of my heart. Impressive cut-outs from Russian (Soviet) history, the riveting Omar Sharif, the beautiful Julie Christie and an ending that put me out of commission for two days. It's really long, but every minute just intensifies the tide of emotion... Plus, for an American film, the "Soviet" atmosphere is very convincing. These types of films are no longer made. For me, it’s one of Hollywood's highlights, compared to which The English Patient is just a heap of hideously cheesy snapshots. (25/01/2004)

A magnificent blockbuster that may be a bit exaggerated, but on the other hand, it has a beautiful storyline that you can follow. The characters are wonderfully portrayed and will not bore you. This is a world that is not difficult to imagine, emotions that are not at all difficult to experience. Ultimately, what bothered me the most was that English was spoken here at all costs. (20/05/2015)

If David Lean hadn't made Lawrence of Arabia three years before Zhivago, this masterpiece would quite possibly be my favourite film of all time. Pure magnificent epic! The hackneyed phrase "they don't make films like this anymore" definitely applies here. (23/03/2009)

I can't help comparing this film to The English Patient. It’s similarly conceived, with almost identically beautiful footage of nature and a great love story with a not so idyllic happy ending. But David Lean is a generation apart from Anthony Minghella, and this is reflected in the long takes, the starched emotions and, above all, the monstrous running time, which is quite often inexcusable. Is not that Doctor Zhivago isn’t pompous, it’s expensively produced, well-directed, and on top of that a fairly meticulous depiction of the turbulent history of early 20th century Russia. But if it was cut down by half an hour of camera pans and overlong facial expressions, it would be much more enjoyable for the viewer. (02/07/2023)