Empire Magazine
Lean discovered, and fell in love with, Julie Christie, and knew straightaway that his audience would too.
Full review
Doctor Zhivago
Winner of five Oscars, David Lean's Doctor Zhivago (1965) follows a Russian doctor (Omar Sharif) pursuing the woman he loves (Julie Christie) during Russia's turbulent political changes of World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution and Communism's rise to power.
"An example of superb old-style craftsmanship at the service of a soppy romantic vision, and although its portentous historical drama evaporates once you return to the fresh air, watching it can be seductive." (Roger Ebert)
Winner of five 1966 Academy Awards including Best Cinematography, Best Score, Best Adapted Screenplay.
1965Rating: PG, for mature themes192 minsUSA, Italy
DramaRomanceWar
- Director:
- David Lean ('Lawrence of Arabia', 'The Bridge on the River Kwai')
- Writer:
- Robert Bolt
- Cast:
- Omar SharifJulie ChristieGeraldine ChaplinRod SteigerAlec GuinnessTom Courtenay
Doctor Zhivago / Reviews
Roger Ebert
Although its portentous historical drama evaporates once you return to the fresh air, watching it can be seductive.
Full review
Variety
One of the most meticulously designed and executed films--superior in several visual respects to his "Lawrence of Arabia."
Full review
Little White Lies
Demands everything from the viewer while offering little in return, with Lean coming across like a despised schoolmaster not wanting to open himself up to his braying students.
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The Times
Epic seems too small a word for the sweeping ambition and romance of Doctor Zhivago.
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Independent
Maurice Jarre's music is as beguiling as ever and Lean squeezes all the pathos that he can out of the romance between Sharif's Yuri Zhivago and Julie Christie's febrile and gorgeous Lara Antipova.
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The Guardian
One of those rare film adaptations which, unless you have already read the book, makes you wonder why anyone ever bothered to make the film at all.
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