Epic romance and drama

Rating: 9/10 (4 January 2008)

Doctor Zhivago is an epic romance/drama set against the backdrop of the Russian revolution, based on the novel by Boris Pasternak. With a three hour and twenty minutes running time, it takes its time in order to fit everything in. The slower stretches lead up to key scenes that are simply magical. The story centers around the life of the young Dr. Yuri Zhivago, who serves as a medic during the first World War and civil war that follows. He builds a intimate relationship with Lara Antipova, the wife to a enthusiastic revolutionary leader. This is complicated with family relationships and the fact that he is already married to Tonya, as well as the physical barriers that anarchy imposes.
The characters are an important part of the film. The acting is good and the relationships between the characters are very complex. None of the characters are perfect, but each has respectable traits. Dr. Zhivago is one of the most interesting people in any film. The cinematography is fantastic. Each scene is beautifully played out and designed. The environment consistently changes from winter to summer, each time bringing new colors and textures to please the eye. The music is also excellent, and fits the mood of the film perfectly. The historical aspects of the film are very interesting, although perhaps not completely accurate. It adds another dimension, since it takes place during one of the most tumultuous periods in history.
My only major complaint is that the film feels longer than it needs to be. Although each segment is important, it takes a while to get through the less eventful parts. While it doesn't detract from the film's overall majesty, it does limit the amount of times I feel I could watch through the entire thing again.
Overall, Doctor Zhivago is an enormous accomplishment. If you like good dramas, then watch it.