Watch The Unbearable Lightness of Being

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a romantic drama film released in 1988, directed by Philip Kaufman and based on the novel of the same name by Milan Kundera. The title of the film is derived from Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy of eternal recurrence, which states that every action that one takes will be repeated an infinite amount of times. The movie follows the lives of three individuals in 1968 Prague amidst the political turmoil and upheaval.

Daniel Day-Lewis plays Tomas, a surgeon who is highly successful with women due to his charm and charisma. He has a long-term mistress, Sabina (Lena Olin), who is an artist and a free spirit. Despite his love for Sabina, Tomas cannot resist other women and begins to have affairs with different women, including one of his patients.

Juliette Binoche stars as Tereza, a young and innocent waitress who falls in love with Tomas. The two start a relationship, and despite Tomas's many infidelities, Tereza remains devoted to him. The film explores the complex relationships between the three characters and how their lives are affected by the political and social changes in Czechoslovakia.

As the Soviet Union invades Czechoslovakia, the characters are forced to navigate the changing political landscape. Tomas supports the resistance movement, but Sabina leaves the country to study abroad. Tereza, who is also against the Soviet invasion, must choose between staying with Tomas or leaving the country with him to seek a better life elsewhere.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a visually stunning film with incredible cinematography that captures the beauty of Prague and the surrounding landscapes. It also features a haunting musical score by Mark Adler, which adds to the film's emotional impact. The movie is a complex examination of love, identity, and political upheaval, all set against a stunning historical backdrop.

Throughout the film, the characters grapple with the idea of eternal recurrence, and how their actions will be repeated forever. This philosophical theme runs throughout the film, elevating it beyond a simple romance story into a profound exploration of the human condition. The story is masterfully crafted, and the performances by the lead actors are exceptional, particularly Daniel Day-Lewis, whose portrayal of Tomas is both charming and nuanced.

Overall, The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a cinematic masterpiece that explores deep, thought-provoking themes alongside a captivating love story. It is an essential watch for cinephiles and lovers of great storytelling alike.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 73.