Category: (DVD)
38 new, starting at $17.90
3 used, starting at $19.89
Let others in 1968 Prague fret over liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Prague surgeon and avowed womanizer Tomas is focused on the happiness of pursuit. He's determined to live with a lightness of being unfettered by things like commitment and Communism. A young doctor's quest for sex and his stumbling into love are part of the rich storyline of this lyrical film from the landmark Milan Kundera novel, produced by Saul Zaentz (The English Patient, Amadeus) and directed by Philip Kaufman (The Right Stuff, Henry & June). Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche and Lena Olin indelibly form the romantic triangle at the center of Tomas' world. It's a shifting world of hope spoiled and renewed, of lives blighted by oppression and reinvigorated by deep, maturing love.
DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Commentary by Philip Kaufman, Jean-Claude
Carriere, Walter Murch and Lena Olin
Audio Commentary:Commentary by Philip Kaufman, Jean-Claude
Carriere, Walter Murch and Lena Olin
Documentaries:Emotional History: The Making of Unbearable
Lightness of Being
Theatrical Trailer
Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Tomas, the happily irresponsible Czech lover of Milan Kundera's novel, which is set in Prague just before and during the Soviet invasion in 1968. Lena Olin and Juliette Binoche are the two vastly different women who occupy his attention and to some extent represent different sides of his values and personality. In any case, the character's decision to flee Russian tanks with one of them--and then return--has profound consequences on his life. Directed by Philip Kaufman, this rich, erotic, fascinating character study with allegorical overtones is a touchstone for many filmgoers. Several key sequences--such as Olin wearing a bowler hat and writhing most attractively--linger in the memory, while Kaufman's assured sense of the story inspires superb performances all around. --Tom Keogh
One Great Big SleeperReviewed by H. Vellos, 2010-01-10
I am sorry, but I just can't agree with the reviewers who praise this piece of work. It was so boring that I had it running while I did other things around the house (that was after I actually watched the first 80 minutes). I guess I just don't relate to guys who are constantly "bedding" every girl that walks past them. Where is the art? The depth? The complexity? Sorry, it was lost on me. I totally agree with the reviewer who said it was about two sad-looking people. I mean the guys is a heel and I am glad he bought the farm in the end. What happened to being faithfull. Ok, I know its Prague and 1968 and the whole Russian-thing, but come on - the historical backdrop was handled way too superficially. Where is the depth? Lewis is a fine actor, but the material is not the most exciting or throught-provoking. There, I've shot my wad and now I am gonna list the movie for sale for someone who can appreciate it more than me. Bye.
Not what I expected..Reviewed by MovieLover20, 2008-10-23
Me and a friend had been wanting to see this movie one for the
content but also for its art prospective. I can't speak for my
friend, but it was not what I expected at all. It is 4 hrs long (on
the 2 disc special edition) and none of it is really any good. The
movie bring up some points, that are great but other wise I would
say this movie is not worth buying. Rent the movie before you
consider buying. I wish I had.
Kev
As wonderful as the book!!!Reviewed by Jane Walker, 2008-07-01
This an absolutely beautiful movie equal to the extraordinary book. Although touted as "sexual" in nature this magnificent film is about life and struggles.Inspiring & uplifting ..a reminder of the truly important things in life.
ConstipatedReviewed by nodice, 2008-05-22
I have no idea how I was talked into watching this movie. I totally believe this was a waste of good film-and a lot of it. A young Daniel Day Lewis with a hipper Fonz impersonation and a whiney Juliette Binoche. Only Lena Olin was worth watching, but not for any depth or anything. This film actually made a communist invasion dull. I absolutely didn't care for this couple. Below par acting, horrible direction, terrible editing, annoying soundtrack and dialogue so bad I think someone should take away the screenwriter's guild card. Don't waste your time on this one.
"UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING" MOVIE REVIEW BY MICHAEL ELLIANOReviewed by Michael Elliano, 2008-03-18
Prepare to be enlightened. This is what movie making was supposed to be about. The movie and characters draw you in for different reasons and gives you a taste of one of the most sexual (not dirty) movies ever put on screen. Temptation, reality, and real history mixed into one. A movie for the senses for those that enjoy good filmmaking. A top one hundred film of all time. A movie that will add to any movie collection and change your taste in movies forever.