“Doctor Zhivago” (1965)

“Doctor Zhivago” (1965), directed by David Lean, is an epic historical romance set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War I and the Russian Revolution. The film follows Dr. Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif), a physician and poet, whose life becomes intertwined with Lara Antipova (Julie Christie), a woman involved with political activist Pasha Antipov (Tom Courtenay) and the influential Victor Komarovsky (Rod Steiger).

Yuri, orphaned at a young age, is raised by the Gromeko family in Moscow and later marries their daughter, Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin). Lara, meanwhile, becomes romantically entangled with Komarovsky, a manipulative government official, and later marries Pasha, a passionate revolutionary. Yuri and Lara’s paths cross multiple times amid the chaos of war and revolution, leading to a deep, albeit complicated, love affair.

As the Bolshevik Revolution unfolds, Yuri’s life is upended. He is conscripted as a military doctor, during which he and Lara, serving as a nurse, develop a close relationship. Upon returning to Moscow, Yuri finds his home commandeered by the new regime and his family struggling. Seeking refuge, they move to the countryside, where Yuri and Lara’s bond deepens.

Their love, however, is overshadowed by the political upheaval. Yuri is forcibly taken by communist partisans to serve as their physician, enduring years of hardship before escaping. Upon his return, he discovers that his family has fled to France, and Lara is in danger due to her past associations. Komarovsky offers them a chance to escape, but Yuri ultimately chooses to remain in Russia. Years later, Yuri spots Lara in Moscow but suffers a fatal heart attack before they can reunite.

The narrative is framed by Yuri’s half-brother, General Yevgraf Zhivago (Alec Guinness), who recounts the story to a young woman he believes to be Yuri and Lara’s daughter. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the individual’s struggle amidst sweeping historical changes.

“Doctor Zhivago” received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and musical score, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score.