The mother of all chick flicks

Rating: 5/10 (30 April 2011)

Having just seen Dr. Zhivago again after about 40 years, I have to say, it hasn't aged well.
The sets are wonderful, the make-up not so much, and the story just drags. Nevermind that the actions of most all the characters are often implausible at best, but the story never really goes anywhere. Though I've never read it, I'm sure there must have been some actual content in the book that the movie entirely misses.
Here you have your basic star-crossed lovers (with a sensitive, caring, poet who dearly loves his wife but nonetheless takes every opportunity to step out on her) who - I guess - are really wonderful people ('cause, afterall, they're really attractive, and that's what makes a "good" person, right?) who seem to think nothing of betraying their spouses at the drop of a hat. And, oh yeah, there's a revolution sweeping the country, but that's only of moderate importance.
Oh, and even though they are living in utter deprivation and grinding poverty, the mistress ALWAYS manages to look as if she's just stepped out of a salon with a fresh facial and hairdo. And then the ultimate cornball scene of Yuri stumbling down the street in a vain attempt to reconnect with his beloved mistress. The topper to a basically empty and meandering (and LOOOOOONG) soap opera.
Some wonderful sets and props, visually stunning, but content is really wanting...