Movie

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

“A lovers’ story.”

★ 6.9(519)19882h 51m

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home in United States. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there yet. Availability checked 18 June 2026.

Where to watch The Unbearable Lightness of Being

🇺🇸 United States

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Good to know

Director: Philip Kaufman
Release date: 1988-02-05
Runtime: 2h 51m
Language: Czech
Box office: $10,000,000
Budget: $17,000,000
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: The Saul Zaentz Company

The Unbearable Lightness of Being — trailer

About The Unbearable Lightness of Being

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a 1988 movie in the Drama and Romance genres, directed by Philip Kaufman, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche and Lena Olin. It has a runtime of 2 hours 51 minutes. It holds an average rating of 6.9/10 from 519 viewers. Below you can see where to watch The Unbearable Lightness of Being in United States — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

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-Lewis

Tomas

Juliette Binoche

Tereza

Lena Olin

Sabina

Derek de Lint

Franz

Stellan Skarsgård

The Engineer

Erland Josephson

The Ambassador

Pavel Landovský

Pavel

Donald Moffat

Chief Surgeon

Daniel Olbrychski

Interior Ministry Official

Tomasz Borkowy

Jiri

Bruce Myers

Czech Editor

Pavel Slabý

Pavel's Nephew

Themes & keywords

infidelitywaitressbased on novel or bookfree lovephotographerloyaltyloversoviet unionsoviet militarysurgeonprague, czech republicpartnershipwarsaw pactcommunism1960s

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch The Unbearable Lightness of Being in United States?+

In United States, The Unbearable Lightness of Being is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there right now.

Is The Unbearable Lightness of Being on Netflix?+

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is not on Netflix in United States right now.

How long is The Unbearable Lightness of Being?+

The Unbearable Lightness of Being has a runtime of 2 hours 51 minutes (171 minutes).

Who stars in The Unbearable Lightness of Being?+

The Unbearable Lightness of Being stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche, Lena Olin, Derek de Lint and Stellan Skarsgård.

When did The Unbearable Lightness of Being come out?+

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a 1988 movie directed by Philip Kaufman.

What genre is The Unbearable Lightness of Being?+

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is Drama and Romance film.

Who directed The Unbearable Lightness of Being?+

The Unbearable Lightness of Being was directed by Philip Kaufman.