It's not about Reds or Whites. It's about true love.... sigh....

What is the greatest epic love story of all time? Gone with the Wind? That is the cliche answer. An Affair to Remember? Remember, I said "EPIC". Spartacus? No - remember LOVE story. That would only leave one answer: Dr. Zhivago.
Sigh...

Dr. Zhivago is beautifully choreographed love story that is set during the Russian Revolution. It is told from the point of view of Obi Want Kenobi, I mean Yevgraf Zhivago (played by Alec Guinness). Yevgraf is Uri Zhivago's half brother, who also happens to be a general. I can't give away as to why he's narrating the movie and to whom he is narrating. The emotionally and physically beautiful Uri Zhivago (Omar Sharif, where are you?) is a young poet/doctor who only seeks the good in people. I'm getting misty thinking about him. Compose. Compose.
Here is a very abridged plot summary (it is a 3.5 hour film): Uri Zhivago is married to Tanja, his childhood sweetheart. They are well off, part of the bourjois, if you will. Uri's path crosses once with a woman named Lara (played by Madame Rosemertta, Julie Christi). The Russian Revolution begins. Uri and his family's world is turned upside down. The Reds force him to work as a doctor on the front. There, his path crosses with Lara's path again. This time, she works closely with him as his nurse. Nothing physically happens, but the emotional connection is palpable. Sigh... But wanting to only do what is just, Uri returns to his amazingly optimistic and supportive wife. Upon his return, he finds their house in a shambles and inhabited by loads of strangers and his family. Viva la Revolucion. Did this phase Dr. Z? NO! He took it all in stride.

Not long after his return, he is forced to take his family to their country home for fear of being murdered by a death squad. Everything goes downhill from there...But fear not! Uri and Lara's paths cross again. The other love story unfolds.

I know, I know, you're thinking "How can infidelity be romantic?" It is fiction, remember. With fiction anything is possible. The filmmakers do a fabulous job confusing the viewer. What woman do we want to eternally win the heart of Uri? The cute, sweet and faithful wife or the beautiful, sincere, and amazing mistress? It is a difficult decision and the movie could end no other way. Well, it could, but then it would not leave you sighing at the end of every paragraph. SIGH....

Throughout the film, he writes poetry. He is known throughout Russia and Europe for his poetry. As Obi Wan says at the end of the film "No one loves poetry as much as a Russian". This is an important detail that increases the sigh factor exponentially. Sigh...

Recommended Film Viewing Protocol
This movie can be viewed for a variety of reasons. If you have 3.5 hours on a Sunday afternoon to spare, watch Dr. Z. If you or your partner is a history buff, this is your film, same goes if there is a Russianphile involved. This is not a film for the impatient or those with ADD or ADHD. It is a film to enjoy, to take in, if you will. I recommend a meal during the film. Snacks won't cut it due to the duration. If evening viewing with a significant other is your choice, buy a bottle of Stoli. Stoli Oranj, because it is in between Red and White (which is where Uri stands). Maybe some boiled potatoes to really set the ambiance.

Moral of the story: Poets are cool. Russian poets are even cooler.

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