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The Unbearable Lightness of Being

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

A lovers’ story.

19886.92h 51m

Overview

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.

Directed by Philip Kaufman
Written by Jean-Claude Carrière, Philip Kaufman, Milan Kundera
Produced by Saul Zaentz
Box OfficeBudget: $17.0MRevenue: $10.0M

Top Cast

Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis

Tomas

Juliette Binoche

Juliette Binoche

Tereza

Lena Olin

Lena Olin

Sabina

Derek de Lint

Derek de Lint

Franz

Stellan Skarsgård

Stellan Skarsgård

The Engineer

Erland Josephson

Erland Josephson

The Ambassador

Pavel Landovský

Pavel Landovský

Pavel

Donald Moffat

Donald Moffat

Chief Surgeon

Daniel Olbrychski

Daniel Olbrychski

Interior Ministry Official

Tomasz Borkowy

Tomasz Borkowy

Jiri

Themes & Keywords

infidelitywaitressbased on novel or bookfree lovephotographerloyaltyloversoviet unionsoviet militarysurgeonprague, czech republicpartnershipwarsaw pactcommunism1960s

About The Unbearable Lightness of Being

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a drama, romance film released in 1988 exploring themes of infidelity, waitress, based on novel or book, free love, photographer, loyalty. Directed by Philip Kaufman, it stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche, Lena Olin. 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.

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