The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)

  • R
  • 02/05/1988 (US)
  • Drama, Romance
  • 2h 51m

A lovers' story

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.

Philip Kaufman

Director, Screenplay

Jean-Claude Carrière

Screenplay

Milan Kundera

Novel

Cast

Daniel Day-Lewis's headshot

Daniel Day-Lewis

Tomas
Juliette Binoche's headshot

Juliette Binoche

Tereza
Lena Olin's headshot

Lena Olin

Sabina
Derek de Lint's headshot

Derek de Lint

Franz
Stellan Skarsgård's headshot

Stellan Skarsgård

The Engineer
Erland Josephson's headshot

Erland Josephson

The Ambassador
Pavel Landovský's headshot

Pavel Landovský

Pavel
Donald Moffat's headshot

Donald Moffat

Chief Surgeon

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