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The 1965 film Doctor Zhivago, directed by David Lean, is a sweeping romantic epic based on Boris Pasternak’s Nobel Prize-winning novel. Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution, the movie stars Omar Sharif as Yuri Zhivago, a sensitive physician and poet torn between his love for his wife, Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), and the passionate Lara Antipova (Julie Christie). The stellar cast also includes Alec Guinness as Yevgraf Zhivago, Yuri’s half-brother and a Soviet general, Rod Steiger as the ruthless Victor Komarovsky, and Tom Courtenay as the idealistic revolutionary Pasha Antipov. Lean’s masterful direction brings the tumultuous historical period to life, blending intimate human drama with breathtaking visuals, including the iconic snow-covered landscapes captured by cinematographer Freddie Young.
Upon its release, Doctor Zhivago garnered widespread acclaim, earning praise for its emotional depth and cinematic grandeur. The New York Times hailed it as “a triumph of film art,” applauding Lean’s ability to weave a “richly textured” narrative that balances personal romance with historical upheaval. Variety praised the performances, noting that “Omar Sharif brings a soulful intensity to Zhivago, while Julie Christie radiates vulnerability and strength as Lara.” The film’s lush score by Maurice Jarre, particularly the haunting “Lara’s Theme,” also received accolades, with critics calling it “unforgettable” and “a perfect complement to the film’s poignant story.” Winning five Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, Doctor Zhivago remains a celebrated classic of 20th-century cinema.