The 2002 television drama Doctor Zhivago, featuring Kris Marshall, Keira Knightley, and the late Sam Neill, is now available to stream on ITV and ITVX. Adapted from Boris Pasternak's celebrated 1957 novel, the series has been described as a 'masterpiece' by viewers.
Star-Studded Cast and Plot
The mini-series follows Yury Zhivago, played by Hans Matheson, after he witnesses his father's suicide and moves to Moscow. There, he becomes captivated by a young woman named Lara, portrayed by Keira Knightley. Sam Neill appears as Victor Komarovsky, while Kris Marshall takes on the role of Pasha Antipov, also known as Strelnikov. Additional cast members include Celia Imrie as Anna Gromeko and Hugh Bonneville as Andrey Zhivago.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Praise
Directed by Giacomo Campiotti, Doctor Zhivago holds an impressive 78% Rotten Tomatoes rating. One viewer called it 'a masterpiece by Giacomo Campiotti' and said it 'deserves an Oscar.' Another wrote: 'This mini-series is possibly the best UK mini-series I have ever seen.' A third praised Marshall's performance, stating: 'Kris Marshall turns in a stellar performance, truly suspending disbelief and losing himself in the role.'
Kris Marshall's Career Highlights
Kris Marshall, 53, is best known for his roles in My Family and the iconic 2003 film Love Actually. In recent years, he has gained fame as DI Humphrey Goodman in Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise.
Sam Neill's Passing
The drama holds added poignancy following the death of Sam Neill, who passed away at age 78 after contracting pneumonia. The Northern Ireland-born actor, renowned for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, died on Monday, months after being declared cancer-free from angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.
Doctor Zhivago is available to watch on ITV and ITVX.
