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The Unbearable Lightness of Being (DVD, 1999, Criterion Collection)

Philip Kaufman, Juliette Binoche, Daniel Day-Lewis | Theatrical release: 1988 | Rating: R (MPAA)
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The Unbearable Lightness of Being (Criterion Collection Spine #55) DVD, Daniel D
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The Unbearable Lightness of Being (Criterion Collection Spine #55) DVD, Daniel D
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Movie synopsis
THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING is a sensual and sensitive adaptation of Milan Kundera's tragicomic existentialist novel that follows the story of Thomas (Daniel Day Lewis), a womanizing Czech doctor in 1968 Prague, prior to the Soviet invasion, whose sexual appetite is never fully satisfied. Thomas believes in keeping sexual gratification separate from love and finds true understanding and erotic bliss with Sabina (Lena Olin), a seductive and elusive artist. However, Thomas's understanding of love and commitment is challenged when he meets Tereza (Juliette Binoche), a sexually naive and innocent young woman who captures Thomas's fancy on an out-of-town business trip. When Tereza appears on his Prague doorstep, Thomas lets down his guard and allows the young woman to stay with him, breaking all his rules regarding the dangers of seductive entanglement. Despite his numerous affairs, Thomas falls deeply in love with Tereza, and they eventually marry. Sabina accepts Thomas's marriage to Tereza, but Tereza cannot accept Thomas's many lovers and is deeply hurt by her sly husband. Tereza's own sexual awakening and creative spirit is at the core of the film, as she is undeniably captivating to both Thomas and Sabina, who becomes her friend and artistic mentor. The three become involved in an intense love triangle that is eventually shattered by the violent Soviet invasion of 1968. Tereza's burgeoning photographic passion is documented in a creative black-and-white montage of the invasion, beautifully crafted by cinematographer Sven Nykvist. This captivating and brilliant literary adaptation is a subtle and complex character study in which Daniel Day Lewis, Lena Olin, and Juliette Binoche give magnificent lead performances.

Product Details
  • Edition: Criterion Collection
  • Number of Discs: 1
  • Rating: R (MPAA)
  • Film Country: USA
  • UPC: 037429140222

Additional Details
Genre:Dramas
Format:DVD
Region:Region 1
Display Format:Criterion Collection

eBay Product ID: EPID3146488

Editorial reviews

"...[Day-Lewis, Binoche and Olin] are surprisingly fine -- both modest and intense....Notably ambitious..."
New York Times - Vincent Canby (02/05/1988)

"...Mature, serious and intellectual....Great films are seldom made from great novels, but THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING stands as a stunning and surprising exception..."
Variety - Cart. (02/03/1988)

"...Kaufman has made a fine-looking film. He has cast the three points of his erotic triangle bravely and adroitly..."
Los Angeles Times - Sheila Benson (02/05/1988)

"...Kaufman's incorporation of documentary footage from 1968 is well executed..."
Sight and Sound - Matthew Leyland (10/01/2003)

"Kaufman proves that an American can direct a smart, sexy, and tasteful European-style art film."
Premiere - Andy Webster (03/01/2004)

3 stars out of 4 -- "[A] contemplation of the meaning of life and death and sex and freedom and a whole lot in between....[I]t's a compellingly adult film..."
Premiere - Howard Karren (06/01/2006)

"[T]his is still intelligent and very well-crafted fare. Daniel Day-Lewis brings plenty of charm to his role..."
Sight and Sound - Geoffrey Macnab (06/01/2006)

Reviews & Research

Customer Reviews

Average review score based on 4 user reviews

100%

of customers recommend this product

Rating distributions

Created: 12/07/08

beautiful story, beautiful cinematography. watch it.

Review For: The Unbearable Lightness of Being (DVD, 1999, Criterion Collection)

read the title. and plus Daniel Day-Lewis is in it. Enough said. oh, and Juliette Binoche. and Lena Olin.

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Created: 02/03/07

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Simply one of the most romantic movies ever made. The acting, innovative footage of the real invasion of Prague (with the movie's characters inserted in the actual newreel scenes), and the incomparably naked-but-wise Lena Olin make this an unforgettable film.

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Created: 01/15/12

Well crafted erotic triangle

Yes, I would recommend this product to a friend.

Sensuous and erotic, the tale of a womanizing Czech doctor, Day-Lewis, who falls for the young and innocent Binoche. His primary lover, Olin, accepts this and eventually bonds with her as well. A sexy enticing story shot in sultry warm hues.

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Created: 11/11/08

Slow, Erotic, Depressing...

The movie feels "dated." I bought for a friend to replacement his copy of the movie that I somehow lost. Social Obligation only!

0 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful? Yes | No

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