This may seem like an odd comparison, but just like the Harry Potter books, ZHIVAGO works hard at being totally immersive, and it requires an audience that's willing to just sink into it and soak. So beautiful, and so sad and depressing. Sharif has the most thankless task in this picture, as Zhivago himself is so deeply passive and spends most of the movie reacting and suffering. The two decisions that he does make basically ruin his life and everyone else's. Steiger is marvelously hateful.

394

I thought I was mistaken, so I watched it again. On both viewings I've had the same reaction as the initial critics. With the addition: the performances throughout the beginning seem out of sync and unnatural. Also, as lovely as the main theme is, the actual use of soundtrack was mystifying and distracting. I think the film is technically poor, which is difficult - no - shocking to say as a Lean fan.

Well above average.

I just don't see nothing special about it. I don't mind it's a good and beautiful adaptation. But it does not posses even a small amount of emotion the book has. Pasternak's novel is a kind of a book that cannot be transferred to the screen in a proper way.

3 plus hours man that was rough.

Another film that demonstrates David Lean's right to mentioned among the greatest directors of all time. A visually beautiful, engrossing tale about people and the choices they make. The wonderfully delicate and engrossing plot is fulfilled by a cast in great form and director at the top of his game. Watching Doctor Zhivago is a great way to spend an evening. A true classic.

Epic

At times it reeks of beauty which is why I'll remember "Doctor Zhivago". It also had a great score and equally good performances from numerous actors. Fulfilling on all levels.

As you'd expect from David Lean - visually opulent, incredible epic story, fantastic music, etc, etc. My only criticism would be that I didn't really feel the romance between Julie Christie and Omar Sharif - it felt distant, in a way that I didn't have a problem with T.S. Lawrence. Otherwise, an incredible experience.

the only real downfall of this movie is it is so long winded, without even really seeming epic that it slows down to a near halt in certain places making it really hard to sit through the whole thing. now if it were abbreviated to about two and a half hours we would have a masterpiece on our hands.