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Amazon.co.uk Review
The mini-series treatment suits Doctor Zhivago, Boris Pasternak's sprawling novel of a Russian physician-poet whose comfortable life is upended by the revolution. And this near-four-hour Granada TV production lucidly demonstrates that Pasternak was one heck of a storyteller: the torment of Zhivago (Hans Matheson) as he must choose between his well-bred childhood sweetheart (Alexandra Maria Lara) and the tragically beautiful Lara (Keira Knightley) remains compelling.
The TV treatment can't match the epic sweep of David Lean's feature film, of course, with its cast of thousands and astonishing production design. Devotees of that 1965 version will undoubtedly yearn for Maurice Jarre's tinkly hit "Lara's Theme", too; here, Ludovico Einaudi's score is serviceable by comparison. Matheson, too, is serviceable in the title role, but the uncannily gorgeous Knightley and a supremely decadent Sam Neill (as her dreadful seducer) keep their characters vital. The limitations of the small screen duly noted, the frosty location shooting is handsome. Given the choice, see the Lean film on the big screen every time; but this is a sturdy introduction to a classic story. --Robert Horton
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
I seem to remember that this was aired on ITV the same time as Daniel Deronda on BBC, and I have no doubt that this is the better of the two. The main thing to keep in mind when watching this film, is that it is an 'adaptation' of Dr Zhivago. Certain elements of the book are altered, but the general spirit of the novel is maintained. The settings are breathtaking and generally the acting from Celia Imrie, Sam Neill, Bill Patterson, Kris Marshall and unknown Hans Matheson as Yury are incredibly moving. Even new star, Keira Knightley does a good job (she was only seventeen when she made this), though she pouts a little too much for my liking. I personally have loved the book for as long as I can remember, but that hasn't prevented me from appreciating this adaptation for what it is in itself, and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who loves a great story of passion, betrayal, heartbreak and love. Spectacular.
38 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
It may be somewhat sacrilegious to admit this, but I actually prefer this production to the David Lean classic. That is an admission however that I do not take lightly, the Lean version having left an indelible impression on my younger life and the beautiful Lara's Theme having haunted me since I first saw the original version on television back in the 1980s.
No, when I sat down to watch this 2002 adaptation of the Boris Pasternak epic I was all prepared to be both disappointed and resistant to a newer version of the Omar Sharif/Julie Christie favorite - so what happened? Why am I now sitting here so impressed and involved in what should by all accounts be a poorer step child to the colorful, star-filled 1960s movie.
Simply put this movie has the advantage of time. A whole hour longer than the other movie that extra time gives the production of filling in some of the blanks that inhabited the original and more fully exploring the human relationships and interaction between characters. Matheson may not have the acting ability of Sharif but what he does have is the opportunity to more fully realize the character of Zhivago. In this sense this movie is more faithful to the source material and all the better for it.
Matheson plays the part of Zhivago, a man brought up in the shadow of tragedy who feels the pull of loyalty to his wife (and childhood friend) Tonya and a deep infatuation for Lara. With the violence of World War I and the Russian Revolution as a backdrop, Zhivago travels through life torn by conflict.
Less colorful than the original this mini-series compensates with a strong, well defined script and some star turning peformances by Sam Neill and one-time Bond girl Maryam D'Abo (as Lara's mother). Many have also dismissed Keira Knightley in her role as Lara, but I found her both competent and powerful in the role. I found myself both involved in her story and convinced by her portrayal - she was certainly a different Lara than the one depicted by Christie some four decades ago, but one no less realized or compelling. In fact, I would go as far as to say that Knightley's Lara is a more rounded character than Christie's, no doubt due to Knightley's impressive screen presence, but also the longer screentime afforded to her character.
One device I found both clever and interesting was real archive footage from the period that is woven into the story in a fascinating manner.
Included on this DVD is a text biography of author Boris Pasternak as well as over an hour of interviews with the cast. Prepared to be surprised by this DVD and be prepared to fall in love with a whole new version of the DOCTOR ZHIVAGO story.
No, when I sat down to watch this 2002 adaptation of the Boris Pasternak epic I was all prepared to be both disappointed and resistant to a newer version of the Omar Sharif/Julie Christie favorite - so what happened? Why am I now sitting here so impressed and involved in what should by all accounts be a poorer step child to the colorful, star-filled 1960s movie.
Simply put this movie has the advantage of time. A whole hour longer than the other movie that extra time gives the production of filling in some of the blanks that inhabited the original and more fully exploring the human relationships and interaction between characters. Matheson may not have the acting ability of Sharif but what he does have is the opportunity to more fully realize the character of Zhivago. In this sense this movie is more faithful to the source material and all the better for it.
Matheson plays the part of Zhivago, a man brought up in the shadow of tragedy who feels the pull of loyalty to his wife (and childhood friend) Tonya and a deep infatuation for Lara. With the violence of World War I and the Russian Revolution as a backdrop, Zhivago travels through life torn by conflict.
Less colorful than the original this mini-series compensates with a strong, well defined script and some star turning peformances by Sam Neill and one-time Bond girl Maryam D'Abo (as Lara's mother). Many have also dismissed Keira Knightley in her role as Lara, but I found her both competent and powerful in the role. I found myself both involved in her story and convinced by her portrayal - she was certainly a different Lara than the one depicted by Christie some four decades ago, but one no less realized or compelling. In fact, I would go as far as to say that Knightley's Lara is a more rounded character than Christie's, no doubt due to Knightley's impressive screen presence, but also the longer screentime afforded to her character.
One device I found both clever and interesting was real archive footage from the period that is woven into the story in a fascinating manner.
Included on this DVD is a text biography of author Boris Pasternak as well as over an hour of interviews with the cast. Prepared to be surprised by this DVD and be prepared to fall in love with a whole new version of the DOCTOR ZHIVAGO story.
22 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was an utterly compelling interpretation which really captured the spirit of the Pasternak novel.I appreciated the almost architectural beauty and large landscape of the David Lean film of my generation, yet there was an emotional intensity and a depth of character exploration in this version which was missing from the earlier film. The central characters were complex and believable and not understated icons in an icy landscape.
Sam Neill as Komarovsky was a compelling figure and this time you could see why Lara was attracted to him despite the abusive nature of their relationship.Pasternak's central character, Yuri Zhivago,was depicted as a passionate but not bombastic hero. Hans Matheson captured the almost passive poetic romantic whose emotions are torn by the situations in which he finds himself which are reflected in the age of political tumoil that surrounds him.Strong performances by Keira Knightley as Lara and Alexandra Maria Lara as Tanya gave real substance to the tensions he experiences.I had never heard of Keira Knightley when I first saw this production and was amazed at the range which her intelligent acting achieved.Her real age was consistent with that of the young Lara yet she convincingly bridged the gap to the young mother of the later part of the novel. The love scenes were tender, yet passionate and Director Giacomo Campiotti is to be congratulated on his sensitive rendering of these.The relationship between Yuri and Lara truly reflected the sadness of Pasternak's poem,"The Parting."
I only bought the DVD after almost casually coming across this made for TV movie on the box.It's emotional landscape and authentic sets are strong enough to warrant a proper release at the cinema.I suspect Boris Pastenak would have much preferred it to the David Lean film and so did I !
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The Best Version
When I first watched this version only then I understood some missing pictures in the original one , since it was simply more commercial then this non commercial . Read more
Published 4 days ago by Stallion
The 2nd Zhivago movie
Some 37 years after the well known 1st movie we get a 2nd movie version of the book. Those who have read the book will know this movie version covers more of the book but not all... Read more
Published 10 days ago by blackbird
Captivating
We bought this DVD after a brief visit to Moscow as felt it was compulsory viewing for my husband who had never heard of the book. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jude
Better than Lean's Classic ?
This was my Christmas present to myself. Even though I had seen extensive extracts, which is why I bought it, I was terrified to watch it and it took me a couple of weeks to pluck... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Fuenterino
Doctor Zhivago dvd
I love this film!!
Set in the harsh,icy Winter of Russia, a perfect film for a cold Sunday afternoon!! Read more
Set in the harsh,icy Winter of Russia, a perfect film for a cold Sunday afternoon!! Read more
Published 6 months ago by nannymcgee
Great adaptation
The product came really quick and the quality is good. The drama adaptation from the book is enjoyable and modern. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Jo Madyarchyk
dr zhivaho
omg what a beautiful but upsetting and touching film
i brought it for my mum for her birthday as she realy likes it and we wotched it. Read more
i brought it for my mum for her birthday as she realy likes it and we wotched it. Read more
Published 13 months ago by tess
cannot watch on pc
dvd has some copy protection so i cannot watch it on my pc. i use dvdfab as well but the problem is still there. very annoying when you buy a copy and cannot watch it. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Jackal
A beautiful classic
I love this version better than the original Omar Shariff one. With it being a serialisation it follows the book more closely and the story is beautiful. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Dottie33
Dr Zhivago (DVD 2002)
It is difficult not to compare this with the David Lean production with Omar Sharif and Julie Christie. I rated it as ok but where I felt it fell down was in the casting. Read more
Published on 23 Feb 2010 by Jordache
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