The scale is epic but it does not have the reach

Rating: 6/10 (4 January 2019)

Omar Sharif had a terrific run of films in the 1960s. An Arab Prince, A Russian Poet, A Nazi investigator, Genghis Khan, A Spanish priest, An American Jew, An Argentine revolutionary. He deserves to be known more than just as a Bridge player and a playboy. Sharif was a Muslim Arab actor who knew no bounds.
Doctor Zhivago based on Boris Pasternak's epic novel is set before and during World War 1, then during and after the Russian Revolution.
The focus is on the illicit love story between two people who are already married. Doctor Yury Zhivago (Omar Sharif) a poet and doctor. A supporter of revolution and critical of the course it has taken. Pretty Lara (Julie Christie) sweet, young and innocent but involved with wealthy despicable patron Victor Komarovsky (Rod Steiger.)
Pasha (Tom Courtenay) is a hot headed revolutionary who marries Lara but falls in love with the iron fist of post revolution Russia.
Yury a married man is drawn to Lara. He connects with her in various points of their lives. The story is told by Yury's half brother who is searching for the daughter both them had.
There is an epic grandeur and scale by David Lean. The story is episodic and some of the story is clunky, even flawed and confusing.
Christie is beautiful, Sharif is great, Steiger is magnetic and Courtenay shines. Guiness though is a bit stiff. Lean aimed high and missed but it is an honorable failure.