I purchased this movie based on other reviews, and do not regret my decision. Unfortunately, for the entire 225 minutes I kept waiting for "My Love (Lara's Theme)," the stirringly romantic theme indelibly chiseled into my mind for all time. But that is the signature of a true epic, and completely befitting David Lean's "Doctor Zhivago." On the other hand, this version of "Doctor Zhivago," directed by Giacomo Campiotti is everything else that Lean's film was not--except perhaps in terms of cinematography for which Lean's version won the Academy Award. While I truly enjoyed Omar Sharif as Dr. Yuri Zhivago, I do think that Hans Matheson's portrayal is far less Hollywood and more in line with Boris Pasternak's character in his book; albeit not as moving or powerful as Sharif's portrayal. Conversely, Keira Knightley's performance, poise, and grace put to shame Julie Christie's portrayal of Larisa (Lara) Antipova. I am more than surprised that her performance did not receive more critical attention. However, for me, the true surprise was Sam Neill's brilliance as Viktor Komarovsky. While many may disagree, I never did feel that Lean's choice of Rod Steiger as Viktor Komarovsky was an appropriate one. In my opinion, Sam Neill portrayed the Viktor Komarovsky that I envisioned in the book, and is one of his finest acting performances. The one character that falls extremely short in this version of "Doctor Zhivago" is Pavel "Pasha" Antipov (poorly played by Kris Marshall). In Pasternak's book (as well as Lean's film), Pasha is a far more developed character with a very strong story line. Why Giacomo Campiotti did not fully flush out the role of Pasha, I cannot say--or maybe it ended up on the "floor." On the other hand, it would be easy to contest that Keira Knightley's performance was a better use of time and film. (Note: While not a true character in the book, the character I remember most from Lean's production--maybe thanks to "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Star Wars"--is Sir Alec Guinness as Gen. Yevgraf Zhivago). Yuri Zhivago, adopted as a young boy by his future wife's family, is sensitive and poetic nearly to the point of mysticism. In medical school, one of his professors reminds him that bacteria may be beautiful under the microscope, but they do ugly things to people. Yuri Zhivago's idealism and principles are constantly challenged to the point of demoralization in the face of the horrors of World War I (where he meets Lara, who is a nurse, for the first time--almost love at first sight), the anger and purging of the Russian Revolution, and the insanity and chaos of the subsequent Russian Civil War. As Lara and Zhivago work together in a make shift "hospital" during the First World War, the two fall in love; but Yuri remains "faithful" to his wife. After the war Yuri Zhivago returns home to devastation and family ruin. Yuri and his wife decide to move to a country home their family owns, which by coincidence is near where Lara has moved in her search for Pasha. After considerable time, Yuri surrenders to his "desires" and seeks out Lara. Even though they had loved each other very much, they never consummated their relationship until Zhivago goes to her in the nearby town of Yuriatin after the Zhivago's have moved to the country. When Yuri's wife finds out, she leaves him for the city. Yuri and Lara struggle until Victor Komarovsky arrives. The events for the characters go "down hill" from that point on. A major theme of the novel is how the mysticism of things and idealism are destroyed by both the Bolsheviks and the White Army alike, as both sides commit horrible atrocities--and Giacomo Campiotti's "Doctor Zhivago" easily outstrips David Lean's portrayal of this important theme. Yuri witnesses the reality of trench warfare, including dismemberment, deprivation, and starvation suffered by both the "average" soldier and the civilian population during all of this turmoil. In the end, even the love of his life, Lara, is taken from him. All in all, "Doctor Zhivago" is a master piece that deserves greater appreciation and wider viewing. It is a wonderful evening of romantic, dramatic adventure. Please Note: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.
