The Unbearable Lightness of Being poster
FilmComedyDramaRomance

The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)

R · 1988-02-05 · 2h 51m · EN
69%
User score
401 votes
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A lovers' story

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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Philip KaufmanDirector
Budget
$17M
Box office
$10M

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Showing US. Availability data by JustWatch.

Media

Top billed cast

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Daniel Day-LewisDaniel Day-LewisTomasJuliette BinocheJuliette BinocheTerezaLena OlinLena OlinSabinaDerek de LintDerek de LintFranzStellan SkarsgårdStellan SkarsgårdThe EngineerErland JosephsonErland JosephsonThe AmbassadorPavel LandovskýPavel LandovskýPavelDonald MoffatDonald MoffatChief SurgeonDaniel OlbrychskiDaniel OlbrychskiInterior Ministry OfficialTomasz BorkowyTomasz BorkowyJiriTomek BorkTomek BorkJiriBruce MyersBruce MyersCzech Editor

Keywords

Based on novel or bookPrague, czech republicPhotographer1960sWaitressInfidelitySurgeonSoviet unionSoviet militaryLoverPartnershipLoyaltyCommunismFree loveWarsaw pact

Movie DNA

Genre affinityComedy · Drama · RomanceTheme affinityBased On Novel Or Book · Prague Czech Republic · PhotographerMood preferenceRomanceDialogue densityComedy · DramaPacingLongEmotional intensityRomance · Warsaw Pact

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Frequently asked questions about The Unbearable Lightness of Being

What is The Unbearable Lightness of Being about?

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.

How long is The Unbearable Lightness of Being?

The Unbearable Lightness of Being has a runtime of 171 minutes.

Where can I watch The Unbearable Lightness of Being?

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