The Unbearable Lightness of Being
1988, English. Directed by Philip Kaufman.
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.
- Runtime
- 2h 51m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.8/10 from 548 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Unbearable Lightness of Being
The Unbearable Lightness of Being isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 13 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Philip KaufmanDirector
- Daniel Day-LewisTomas
- Juliette BinocheTereza
- Lena OlinSabina
- Derek de LintFranz
- Stellan SkarsgårdThe Engineer
- Erland JosephsonThe Ambassador
- Pavel LandovskýPavel
- Donald MoffatChief Surgeon
- Daniel OlbrychskiInterior Ministry Official
- Tomasz BorkowyJiri
- Bruce MyersCzech Editor
- Pavel SlabýPavel's Nephew
Details
- Released
- 5 February 1988
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Jean-Claude Carrière, Philip Kaufman
- Budget
- $17M
- Box office
- $10M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What The Unbearable Lightness of Being is based on
The Unbearable Lightness of Being is based on The Unbearable Lightness of Being, a 1984 novel by Milan Kundera.
Novel · 1984
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
By Milan Kundera
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The Unbearable Lightness of Being: quick answers
Is The Unbearable Lightness of Being worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.8/10 from 548 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Unbearable Lightness of Being?
The Unbearable Lightness of Being runs 171 minutes (2h 51m).
Does The Unbearable Lightness of Being have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Unbearable Lightness of Being. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Unbearable Lightness of Being is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Unbearable Lightness of Being on?
The Unbearable Lightness of Being isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Unbearable Lightness of Being?
If you liked The Unbearable Lightness of Being, try Reds, Anna Karenina, Hemingway & Gellhorn.
Who directed The Unbearable Lightness of Being?
The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988) was directed by Philip Kaufman and stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche, Lena Olin.
What is The Unbearable Lightness of Being based on?
The Unbearable Lightness of Being is based on The Unbearable Lightness of Being, a 1984 novel by Milan Kundera.