Doctor Zhivago

Doctor Zhivago

Year: 1965

Runtime: 197 min

Language: English

Director: David Lean

DramaRomanceWar

During the Russian Revolution, Yuri Zhivago, a young physician, finds his life irrevocably altered by his intense feelings for the mysterious Lara Guishar. His peaceful world is shattered as he struggles through the turmoil of war and conflicting emotions, caught between his commitment to his wife, Tonya, and the powerful, enduring love he shares with Lara.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Doctor Zhivago (1965)

Trace every key event in Doctor Zhivago (1965) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Yevgraf's Night Search

High-ranking Russian General Yevgraf Zhivago finds himself in an office at night, driven by an urgent personal mission. He is in search of his niece, potentially rekindling familial connections long lost over the years.

Night Industrial Project Office
2

Yuri's Early Life

Yuri Zhivago, a young boy, experiences the trauma of losing his mother in central Asia, near Mongolia. He is taken in by the wealthy Gromykos family in Moscow, where he grows up alongside their daughter Tonya, shaping his future in ways he cannot yet foresee.

Central Asia, near Mongolia
3

Yuri Becomes a Doctor

As Yuri matures, he dedicates himself to medicine, becoming a respected doctor. His life is further enriched by his talent for poetry, through which he expresses the profound experiences of his life.

Moscow
4

Witnessing a Massacre

One fateful winter night, Yuri witnesses a brutal massacre of peaceful socialist demonstrators from his balcony. Traumatized, he attempts to lend assistance but is thwarted by soldiers enforcing order, leaving him shaken and disillusioned.

Winter night Moscow
5

Meeting Lara

Yuri is called to assist a woman who has attempted suicide by drinking iodine. It is here that he meets Lara, the woman's daughter, and is instantly captivated by her presence, feeling a deep connection that defies explanation.

Winter
6

Love Triangle at the Festive Gathering

Yuri's engagement to Tonya is disrupted by a shocking confrontation involving Lara and her lover, Komarovsky, at a festive gathering. This event intensifies the complex relationship between the three characters and sets the stage for future conflicts.

Festive Gathering Location
7

Deployment During World War I

With the onset of World War I, Yuri is deployed to a field unit while Lara serves as a dedicated nurse. Despite the chaos of war that surrounds them, their unspoken love continues to grow, challenging the boundaries of duty and passion.

World War I Field Unit
8

Return to a Devastated Moscow

Following the Russian Revolution, Yuri returns to a Moscow ravaged by conflict, facing shortages and desperation. A chance encounter with Yevgraf opens doors for him and his family, providing escape papers amidst turmoil.

Moscow
9

Crossing Paths with Pasha

On their journey, Yuri crosses paths with a military train owned by Pasha, now transformed into a People's Commander. Their meeting brings back past tensions but ultimately leads to a moment of mutual understanding between the old enemies.

Military Train
10

Finding Refuge in Varykino

Yuri and his family find sanctuary in the family estate of Varykino, nurturing a vegetable garden while facing the outside world's chaos. Despite historical upheaval, they manage to live relatively unnoticed for a time.

Varykino
11

Lara's Return

Summer brings Lara back into Yuri's life, and they reconnect amidst the turmoil of their war-torn homeland. Their renewed affair reignites old passions but complicates Yuri's responsibilities towards his wife, Tonya.

Summer Varykino
12

Conscripted by the Red Partisans

In a cruel twist of fate, Yuri is conscripted into the Red Partisans, leading to a painful separation from Lara that lasts a year and a half. This time apart only deepens his longing for their reunion.

13

Reunion with Lara

After deserting the Partisans, Yuri reunites with Lara amidst life-threatening circumstances. Together, they confront their past, but the appearance of Komarovsky with dire news forces them to make a heartbreaking decision about their future.

Varykino
14

Yuri's Demise

Eight years later, Yuri navigates the desperate streets of Moscow and encounters Yevgraf again, who helps him return to his profession. Tragically, he has a heart attack after catching a glimpse of Lara, underscoring a life filled with lost love.

Moscow
15

At Yuri's Memorial

At Yuri's memorial, Yevgraf is left searching for Lara, who is absorbed in the chaos, desperately trying to locate her daughter, Tonya. The loss felt by both reveals the deep scars left by their turbulent lives, emphasizing a profound sense of longing.

Memorial

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 23:22

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Doctor Zhivago Summary

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Doctor Zhivago Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Doctor Zhivago

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Doctor Zhivago

More About Doctor Zhivago

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