Doctor Zhivago Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A poet/doctor juggles an unfulfilling marriage and the Russian Revolution while desperately trying to find his soulmate, resulting in a lot of snow, angst, and longing stares.

🍿 Doctor Zhivago: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Influences

The film begins with General Yevgraf Zhivago searching for the daughter of his half-brother, Yuri. The story then flashes back to Yuri’s childhood, orphaned and raised by the Gromekos in Moscow. He grows up alongside Tonya, the Gromekos’ daughter, developing a close bond and pursuing medicine and poetry.

Entanglement with Lara

Yuri’s life becomes intertwined with Lara Guishar, a young woman entangled in a complicated relationship with Victor Komarovsky. Lara’s life takes a dramatic turn when she shoots Komarovsky at a Christmas party, setting in motion a series of events that will repeatedly cross her path with Yuri’s.

World War I and Revolution

As World War I erupts, Yuri and Lara find themselves working together in a field hospital. The backdrop of war and revolution intensifies their growing connection. Yuri, now married to Tonya, grapples with his feelings for Lara as Russia descends into chaos.

Separation and Hardship

The revolution disrupts Yuri’s life, forcing his family to relocate to their country estate. Amidst the upheaval, Yuri and Lara reconnect in the town of Yuriatin, leading to an intense affair. However, their happiness is short-lived as Yuri is conscripted by Red Partisans.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Yuri (Omar Sharif): A physician and poet torn between his marriage and his love for Lara amidst the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.
• Lara (Julie Christie): A woman whose life is marked by hardship and love, becoming the muse and passion of Yuri Zhivago.
• Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin): Yuri’s kind and loving wife who represents stability and family amidst the chaos of war and revolution.
• Komarovsky (Rod Steiger): An unscrupulous businessman and political opportunist who has a long history with Lara and represents the old order.
• Yevgraf (Alec Guinness): Yuri’s half-brother, a high-ranking Soviet general, who narrates Yuri’s story and searches for Yuri and Lara’s daughter.
• Pasha (Tom Courtenay): Lara’s husband, a fervent revolutionary who becomes the ruthless communist commander Strelnikov.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Komarovski: “Lara, I am determined to save you from a dreadful error. There are two kinds of men, and only two, and that young man is one kind. He is high-minded. He is pure. He is the kind of man that the world pretends to look up to and in fact despises.” – Komarovsky attempts to dissuade Lara from marrying Yuri, highlighting his cynical view of idealists.
• Komarovski: “Now, do you understand? There’s another kind. Not high-minded. Not pure. But alive.” – Komarovsky continues his speech to Lara where he implies that those who aren’t high-minded are more full of life.
• Yuri: “The private life is dead. For some people, has been dead a long time. Before the war.” – Yuri says this while discussing the changes brought on by the revolution and the loss of individual freedom.
• Yevgraf: “It’s possible to be close to the historical events without realizing their true significance.” – Yevgraf narrates this, suggesting the limitations of personal experience in understanding grand historical forces.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $111,721,910
• Worldwide Gross: $111,926,200

💥 Doctor Zhivago Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw Doctor Zhivago on a rainy afternoon, and I was completely swept away. The film’s beauty and emotional depth lingered with me long after. The scenes in the snow-covered Urals were mesmerizing. I felt Yuri’s struggle between duty and desire so keenly. It’s a movie that reminds me of the power of love and art amidst chaos. It might be a long movie but time seemed to fly.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of epic historical romances”
  • “Viewers interested in Russian history and literature”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning cinematography and classic filmmaking”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence”
  • “Implied sexual content”
  • “Adultery”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A sweeping, romantic epic that captures the turmoil of the Russian Revolution through the eyes of a conflicted doctor and poet. While lengthy, the film’s visual grandeur and powerful performances make it a worthwhile cinematic experience.
• The New York Times: “David Lean delivers a visually stunning spectacle, yet the core love story sometimes feels overshadowed by the historical backdrop. Julie Christie shines as Lara, but the film’s length can test the patience of modern viewers. The theme will stick with you for days.
• Roger Ebert: “Doctor Zhivago is a triumph of old-fashioned filmmaking, creating a believable and emotional love story set against a tumultuous historical period. The film’s epic scope and detailed production design are breathtaking, making it a must-see for fans of classic cinema.

Audience Reactions

The love story between Yuri and Lara is unforgettable and truly heart-wrenching.: Viewers praise the film’s sweeping romance, stunning visuals, and powerful performances, especially Julie Christie’s portrayal of Lara.

Maurice Jarre’s soundtrack is iconic and enhances the emotional impact of the story.: The film’s music is a favorite of many, with ‘Lara’s Theme’ being particularly praised for its beauty and emotional resonance.

Overall Consensus: Doctor Zhivago remains a classic epic romance, lauded for its visual grandeur, moving performances, and memorable score, though its length can be a barrier for some modern viewers.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium)- 1966
2. Academy Award (Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color)- 1966
3. Academy Award (Best Cinematography, Color)- 1966
4. Academy Award (Best Costume Design, Color)- 1966
5. Academy Award (Best Music, Score Originally Written for the Motion Picture)- 1966
6. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 1966
7. Golden Globe (Best Director)- 1966
8. Golden Globe (Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama)- 1966
9. Golden Globe (Best Screenplay – Motion Picture)- 1966
10. Golden Globe (Best Original Score – Motion Picture)- 1966

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot primarily in Spain due to the lack of suitable locations in the Soviet Union at the time.”
• “Julie Christie’s casting as Lara was initially controversial, but her performance ultimately became iconic.”
• “The “ice palace” scene was filmed in a sweltering Spanish summer, with the set constructed from wax and other materials to simulate ice.”
• “The novel ‘Doctor Zhivago’ was banned in the Soviet Union for many years, and the film’s release was similarly delayed.”

🖥️ How to Watch Doctor Zhivago?

Doctor Zhivago is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for broadcast schedules as it occasionally airs on cable channels. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Doctor Zhivago, you might like these similar films:

• Reds (1981): Focuses on American journalist John Reed’s experience during the Russian Revolution, offering a different perspective on the same historical events.
• Lawrence of Arabia (1962): Directed by David Lean, this is another epic historical drama with stunning visuals and a sweeping narrative.
• The English Patient (1996): A sweeping romantic drama set against the backdrop of war, exploring themes of love, loss, and the impact of historical events on personal lives.
• Titanic (1997): Another sweeping love story with charismatic leads set against a cataclysmic event.

🛒 Doctor Zhivago Related Products

• Doctor Zhivago (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A beautifully restored Blu-ray edition of Doctor Zhivago, presented by The Criterion Collection. It features insightful bonus content, including documentaries and interviews with the cast and crew, making it a must-have for collectors and cinephiles.
• Doctor Zhivago [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]: The complete original soundtrack album of Doctor Zhivago, featuring Maurice Jarre’s iconic score, including ‘Lara’s Theme.’ This digital download provides hours of emotionally resonant music that perfectly captures the film’s epic scope and romance.
• Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak: Delve deeper into the world of Doctor Zhivago with Boris Pasternak’s Nobel Prize-winning novel. This classic Russian literature explores themes of love, loss, and revolution with profound insight and emotional depth.
• Doctor Zhivago Movie Poster Print: A high-quality print of the original Doctor Zhivago movie poster, capturing the film’s iconic imagery and romantic essence. This poster makes a stylish addition to any home theater or movie memorabilia collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Doctor Zhivago features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Lara’s Theme” – performed by Maurice Jarre
• “Somewhere, My Love” – performed by Ray Conniff Singers
• “The Doma” – performed by Maurice Jarre
• “Revolutionary March” – performed by Maurice Jarre

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

DOCTOR ZHIVAGO 1965 Cast: Then And Now 💕 (57 Years After)

Ever wonder what happened to the stars of Doctor Zhivago? This video gives you a peek at the cast then and now – it’s wild to see how much they’ve changed!

The Beauty of Doctor Zhivago

Doctor Zhivago is such a visually stunning film! This video is a beautiful montage of some of the most breathtaking scenes. It’s a great reminder of why this movie is a classic.

✨ Rate