Watch Doctor Zhivago

Doctor Zhivago is a sweeping epic drama from 1965 directed by David Lean, depicting the life and times of Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif), a former medical student turned poet and the tumultuous events that marked Russia during and after the Bolshevik Revolution. Adapted from the novel by Russian author Boris Pasternak, the movie is a true masterpiece of cinema that has stood the test of time and remains one of the most acclaimed and beloved movies of all time. It won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Lean, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Art Direction.

Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and World War I, Doctor Zhivago is an elegant and emotional story of love and loss, sacrifice and loyalty. The sweeping cinematography of this movie takes viewers on a journey through the vast, snow-covered landscape of Russia, drawing a sharp contrast between the opulence of the aristocracy and the struggles of the working class.

The story begins with a young Yuri Zhivago, whose mother died when he was young and whose father committed suicide, is taken in by a wealthy family and raised with their daughter Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin). As they grow older, Yuri and Tonya become engaged, but their love is complicated when Yuri meets Lara (Julie Christie), the beautiful and enigmatic wife of a revolutionary.

As the Russian Revolution unfolds, Yuri and Lara are repeatedly thrown together as they endure the hardships and horrors of war and revolution, and their love becomes a symbol of hope and resilience amidst the chaos and darkness of their times. But their passion is forbidden, and their love must remain a secret, leading them on a tumultuous journey that takes them from Moscow to a deserted town in the Ural Mountains, where they find refuge but must face the consequences of their choices.

Omar Sharif delivers a powerful performance as Yuri Zhivago, capturing the brooding intensity of a man who is both an artist and a healer, navigating through the moral dilemmas of his time. Julie Christie is riveting as Lara, a woman who is both vulnerable and fierce, caught between her love for Yuri and her duty to her husband and her country. Geraldine Chaplin is also excellent as Tonya, who is often overlooked in the triangle of love but plays a pivotal role in the plot.

The movie also features a stunning score by Maurice Jarre, including the haunting and unforgettable theme song "Lara's Theme," which will transport you to another time and place.

Overall, Doctor Zhivago is not just a movie, but an experience that takes you on a journey through a world that is at once beautiful and heartbreaking. It is a story of love and sacrifice, of loyalty and betrayal, and of the indomitable spirit of the human heart. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates great cinema and wants to be transported to a different world.

Doctor Zhivago is a 1965 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 69.