Old-fashioned in some ways, but fresh on the other hand; impressive for sure.

Rating: 9/10 (16 December 2013)

I had never seen this film from beginning to end, just bits and pieces and of course I've heard and read a lot about it. Yesterday, on a quiet Sunday afternoon, it was finally time. It did not disappoint - at all.
Sure, it has an old-fashioned feel to it, especially when it comes to the romantic parts of it, but they are balanced out by the telling of an important part of Russian history and the bleak series of events that take place around the same time. In the end it is understood that there is not much romance left, even though Yuri's daughter's proud persona suggests otherwise - she will get her own shot at living her life and finding out...
It is a long film, yes, but it is haphazardly adventurous (as it can just as easily be grim and dark as it can be hopeful and romantic) and many shots (and settings) are so easy on the eyes, which brings me to the stunningly beautiful Julie Christie - she alone is reason enough to watch this. She and Omar Shariff then have to compete with great actors like Rod Steiger, Alec Guiness and Tom Courtenay, a battle which can hardly be won - but they put up an admirable fight.
A classic indeed, with a rating to match from yours truly; 9 out of 10.