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69% Critic Match
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
“A lovers’ story.”
6.9 / 10• 1988• 2h 51m•R• English
DramaRomance
Storyline
Successful surgeon Tomas leaves Prague for an operation, meets a young photographer named Tereza, and brings her back with him. Tereza is surprised to learn that Tomas is already having an affair with the bohemian Sabina, but when the Soviet invasion occurs, all three flee to Switzerland. Sabina begins an affair, Tom continues womanizing, and Tereza, disgusted, returns to Czechoslovakia. Realizing his mistake, Tomas decides to chase after her.
Cast & Crew
Daniel Day-Lewis
Tomas
Lead
Juliette Binoche
Tereza
Lena Olin
Sabina
Derek de Lint
Franz
Stellan Skarsgård
The Engineer
Erland Josephson
The Ambassador
Pavel Landovský
Pavel
Donald Moffat
Chief Surgeon
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Philip Kaufman's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. The Unbearable Lightness of Being is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
