Review of Doctor Zhivago (1965) by Daniel H — 15 Aug 2008

Finally saw this on the big screen. Wow. Two Words: Julie. Christie. Nuff said.

Actually, not enough. This is unquestionably one of the great epics. The first half especially is a masterclass in storytelling - the way the characters lives weave closer together as history unfurls in the background. I love how all the characters are sketched out and surprising - the main lovers are flawed - and you are just as sad as elated when they finally get together. Zhivago's wife is a truly good person (Geraldine Chaplin, awesome) so it's not an easy audience choice, except that Julie Christie is Julie Christie. Rod Steiger, as the 'villain' is the greatest character among them, a man who understands the world better than all of them, so full of self-loathing for what he is that he tries to bring everyone else down with him. At four hours my ass hurt in the cinema, but still, if you can, see it LARGE if you ever get the chance.