Hurrah for Russian Romance

Rating: 7/10 (21 April 2011)

Boris Pasternak's tumultuous tale of Russia divided by war and hearts torn by love. Dr. Zhivago (Omar Sharif) and his longtime long Lara (Julie Christie) are caught up in the tidal wave of history.
The film takes place just prior to and during the Russian Revolution of 1917. The Bolsheviks don't know right from wrong, says Pasha. Meanwhile, a world war is going on that alienates the common Russian because it is a war of the upper class.
The film pits Zhivago against "the Party" who have "reformed" hospitals and stolen his property for distribution.
At over three hours, including a lengthy overture, this film is "epic" in the truest sense of the word.