MTDb › Best of › 1988 › The Unbearable Lightness of Being
The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)
▶ Trailer, images & where to streamOverview
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
Daniel Day-Lewisas Tomas
Juliette Binocheas Tereza
Lena Olinas Sabina
Derek de Lintas Franz
Stellan Skarsgårdas The Engineer
Erland Josephsonas The Ambassador
Pavel Landovskýas Pavel
Donald Moffatas Chief Surgeon
Daniel Olbrychskias Interior Ministry Official
Tomasz Borkowyas Jiri
Bruce Myersas Czech Editor
Pavel Slabýas Pavel's Nephew
Pascale Kalenskyas Nurse Katja
Jacques Cironas Swiss Restaurant Manager
Facts
| Release date | February 5, 1988 |
| Runtime | 171 min (2h 51m) — longer as the 1988 average of 105 min |
| Genres | Romance, Drama |
| Language | EN |
| Budget | $17,000,000 |
| Box office | $10,000,000 (0.6× budget) |
| IMDb | tt0096332 |
More from Philip Kaufman
The Right Stuff1983 · ★ 7.4 · 3h 13m
Quills2000 · ★ 7.2 · 2h 4m
Invasion of the Body Snatchers1978 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 56m
Rising Sun1993 · ★ 6.2 · 2h 9m
Twisted2004 · ★ 5.6 · 1h 37m
If you liked The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Forrest Gump1994 · ★ 8.5 · 2h 22m
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge1995 · ★ 8.5 · 3h 10m
Cinema Paradiso1988 · ★ 8.4 · 2h 4m
Chungking Express1994 · ★ 8.0 · 1h 43m
Before Sunrise1995 · ★ 8.0 · 1h 41m
Three Colors: Red1994 · ★ 7.9 · 1h 40m
The Postman1994 · ★ 7.9 · 1h 54m
Carlito's Way1993 · ★ 7.8 · 2h 24m
Questions
How long is The Unbearable Lightness of Being?
The Unbearable Lightness of Being runs 171 minutes (2h 51m), which is long for a romance — plan for it.
Is The Unbearable Lightness of Being worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.9/10 across 523 votes, which places it #31 of 68 films released in 1988 in this index (top 56%) and #583 among 1371 romance titles.
Who directed The Unbearable Lightness of Being?
The Unbearable Lightness of Being was directed by Philip Kaufman. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Right Stuff (1983), Quills (2000), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978).
Who stars in The Unbearable Lightness of Being?
Daniel Day-Lewis as Tomas; Juliette Binoche as Tereza; Lena Olin as Sabina; Derek de Lint as Franz; Stellan Skarsgård as The Engineer; Erland Josephson as The Ambassador.
What is The Unbearable Lightness of Being rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Unbearable Lightness of Being?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/7625.