The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Starring:Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche, Lena Olin, Derek de Lint, Erland Josephson, Pavel LandovskÃ½, Donald Moffat, Daniel Olbrychski, Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd, Tomek Bork, Bruce Myers, Pavel Slaby, Pascale Kalensky, Jacques Ciron, Anne Lonnberg, LÃ¡szlÃ³ SzabÃ³, VladimÃr Valenta, Clovis Cornillac, Leon Lissek, Consuelo De Haviland
Director: Philip Kaufman
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

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

Description

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

Customer Reviews:

Just another love story.......2007-05-18

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is one of those occasional attempts by American filmmakers to make a European arthouse movie in English, in this case taking on an `unfilmable' novel and trying to solve the problem of turning inner monologue into a credible narrative. Despite, or perhaps because of Jean-Claude Carriere's presence as co-writer with director Philip Kaufman, this tends to take the form of the odd conversation between shags rather than an attempt to turn ideas into images, leaving a rather conventional narrative about a philandering surgeon who ultimately needs the oppression of the Russian invasion rather than the freedom of the Czech Spring to focus his emotional commitments and principles. Some of this is done well, some of it less well, but at the end of the day it's just a love story, although it deals well with the personal consequences of the political crackdown and the ending is quietly moving. Which, in a way, reflects some kind of emotional triumph - whereas for most of the film we don't really care for the characters, merely go along with them, by the end, like he hero, we have at least attained some genuine level of emotional commitment.

Whether that entirely justifies 171-minutes of screen time is debatable, though in its defense the film never feels that long. There are moments that grate, not least the sporadically clumsy integration of the main characters into archive footage of the Russian invasion that draws attention to itself by the crude device of adding scratches only to the new footage. The photography session doesn't quite work either despite an interesting start, not quite pulling off the shift of power and veering off into self-indulgence. The performances are slightly problematic too, especially with the Czechs limited to the smaller supporting roles in an Anglo-French-Swedish-American cast leading to a variety of composite accents (often more Germanic than Slav) and a feeling that the casting directors thought "Yeah, he sounds foreign, he'll do" at times. Daniel Day Lewis fares well as the coldly charismatic and fickle doc but still hadn't shrugged off that well-trained British stage actor feel to his performances; Juliette Binoche is genuinely appealing in one of her more open performances, although it's a bit of a stretch that her character never loses her naiveté; but as the more passionate of his loves Lena Olin is somewhat more problematic, her performance getting less convincing as the film progresses until rediscovering its humanity in her final scene. Of the supporting players, Erland Josephon has one good scene as a former ambassador reduced to being a janitor that underlines the way that even love and sex can be used as weapons of political oppression merely through the introduction of doubt - an idea that becomes strangely more powerful because of the way Kaufman frequently fails to summon up much in the way of eroticism because he generally regards sex as joyfully comic.

Annoyingly the film has been split across two discs, although the break isn't quite as abrupt as on some other discs. The DVD boasts a good transfer with an interesting audio commentary and good half hour documentary that illustrates that even if they didn't entirely succeed at least the filmmakers were trying to create something of real substance.

A literate, moving film.......2007-04-12

I served in the Peace Corps in E. Europe in the early 1990s; this movie conforms to my experience of Prague, the Czech people, and E. European literature so completely as to take my breath away. Creating a full movie out of the first 26 pages of Milan Kundera's original novel is scriptwriting brilliance. The film's breadth and depth of each character, the larger-than-life issues played out against the seeming frivolity of the Prague Spring--and its tragic historic aftermath--never fail to impress me. This film has a very European sentiment regarding sexuality/sensuality, however; it is as woven into the fabric of daily life as a glass of fine wine. If you prefer more staid fare, I'd recommend many excellent British films.

A well made adaptation!.......2007-02-13

The epic feature of a doctor against the oppressive tyranny of the Russians after the invasion of Praga in 1968 will work out as the big frame in order he decides to turn off the reality evading it through the love with two women who are each one complement of the another one. Sabine is somehow, the embodiment of the mature woman and Teresa is the sweet bird of youth whose charm will engage to Tomas who will realize he will not be able to live without the love of both of them.

Notable adaptation, zealously depicted and best acted. The masterpiece of Philipe Kaufman.

Threesome with tanks.......2007-02-02

Supposed being victimized by local communist regime and Soviet oppressors since August-1968, a skilled surgeon changed countries and jobs like surgical gloves he did at hospitals.

No wonder, sex is a fix for such a lucky, and marriage to a beautiful adorable woman stopped a character with Southern European rather than Slavic appearance a little.

Extended up to 165 minutes of screening, romantic tale with some near-porno inclusions is a bit more over-positive and over-entertaining than its final collapsed in.

Well, movie spirit seems being similar to "A Beautiful Life", "Producers" or, more recent one of Levi's Hitler-as-a-comedy-hero, of what optimism and humoristic style used to depicting the tragedy serve well cinemagoers seeking a relaxation only.

Don't let the title fool you!.......2007-02-02

This movie took me by surprise. I was not expecting the powerful emotions that it evoked. I first watched this movie through a rental and liked it so much that I bought the DVD.

This movie tells the tale of a somewhat promiscuous Doctor in Prague,Czechoslovakia before and during the Soviet invasion. He finds and marries a passionate "country" girl while maintaining his extramarital activities. The Soviet invasion puts an end to their way of life and the couple struggle to keep some semblance of normality in a war torn country.

This is an erotic, bittersweet drama. Be prepared to experience a full range of emotions. Perhaps you'll be surprised too.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Criterion Collection

Average customer rating:

Just another love story
A literate, moving film
A well made adaptation!
Threesome with tanks
Don't let the title fool you!

The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Criterion Collection
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis , Juliette Binoche , Lena Olin , Derek de Lint , and Erland Josephson
Director: Philip Kaufman
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0780022386
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Description

Philip Kaufman achieves a delicate, erotic balance with his screen version of Milan Kundera's "unfilmable" novel. Adapted by Kaufman and Jean-Claude Carrière, the film follows a womanizing surgeon (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he struggles with his free-spirited mistress (Lena Olin) and his childlike wife (Juliette Binoche). An intimate epic, The Unbearable Lightness of Being charts the frontiers of relationships with wit, emotion, and devastating honesty.

Customer Reviews:

Just another love story.......2007-05-18

A literate, moving film.......2007-04-12

A well made adaptation!.......2007-02-13

Threesome with tanks.......2007-02-02

Don't let the title fool you!.......2007-02-02

Unbearable Lightness of Being [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Netherlands ]

Average customer rating:

Moving and Magnificent Cinematic Experience

Unbearable Lightness of Being [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Netherlands ]
Director: Philip Kaufman
Manufacturer: Warner Brothers
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000AQEBIG

Product Description

Netherlands released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. Languages: o Arabic (subtitles) o Dutch (subtitles) o English (subtitles) o French (subtitles) o English (Dolby Digital 2.0) o French (Dolby Digital 2.0) Synopsis: In Philip Kaufman's surprisingly successful film adaptation of Czech author Milan Kundera's demanding 1984 bestseller, Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Tomas, an overly amorous Prague surgeon, while Juliette Binoche plays Tereza, the waiflike beauty whom he marries. This lush, haunting film features some of the most blunt and stirring eroticism this side of Last Tango in Paris. Almost universally lauded on its release, Lightness was called "the most openly sexual American film in ages" by one publication. Its sexual content was undeniable, but more remarkable than the numerous and acrobatic couplings was the complexity in director Philip Kaufman's treatment of adult sexuality. More sensual than sexual, Lightness went where few films dared, making sex less a voyeuristic pastime than a catalyst for commentary on the bittersweet nature of love and existence. Lightness's meditative, philosophical approach towards sex, borrowed from the Milan Kundera novel on which it was based, differed from that of most Hollywood films, which often feature sex as just a cartoonish expression of carnal delight. As a result, Lightness is one of the few films centered on adult sexuality that is in no way a date movie. It is also one of Kaufman's most celebrated films, laying the foundation for his subsequent journey into the realm of sexuality in Henry & June. Special Features: o Biographies o Interactive Menu o Scene Access o Trailer(s)

Customer Reviews:

Moving and Magnificent Cinematic Experience.......2007-05-08

"The Unbearable Lightness of Being" is a cinematic experience that will move you in many ways. The thrill of romance, the heartfelt friendships, the tension of Russian tanks rolling through Prague in 1968 and the passion of a people to take control of their own lives are all a big part of this wonderful film. It is beautifully filmed, with a hypnotizing screenplay, and a tremendous cast that fully capture the essence of each of the wonderful characters they portray.

It stars Daniel Day-Lewis, as Tomas, a renowned brain surgeon in Czechoslovakia(also renowned for his charms that no woman can resist)whose love for two very different women, creates a unique bonding and passionate love triangle between the three.
He can never forget the beautiful and seductive Sabina(Lena Olin), who seems to know him better than any other, and yet he cannot resist the charms of his wide-eyed and childlike but serious bride, Tereza(Juliette Binoche).But when political upheaval, interupts his perfect life, they must flee the country, where Tereza finds she cannot continue the lightness of life that Tomas has carved out for them. He must choose now, a decision that may have him sacrificing all in the name of love.

At nearly three hours, there is not a frame in this excellent piece of filmmaking that I would change. With each view I fall more in love with it and always come away completely moved. It is Directed by Philip Kaufman("Quills"/"The Right Stuff") and includes Donald Moffat and Stellan Skarsgard in the wonderful cast.The music adds the perfect feel to the rollar coaster of emotions in the story and the photography is outstanding.

This DVD (ASIN: B000AQEBIG) is formatted for Region 2 viewers. Check the Editorial review of Product details for language tracks and subtitles. For Region 1 DVD click here:The Unbearable Lightness of Beingand see my review for DVD details. also available from Criterion:The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Criterion Collection

This is a film to be enjoyed many times over by anyone who enjoys, romance, drama, a little comedy, and fine filmmaking. It is however rated R for nudity and explicit love scenes.

Get ready for a moving experience and enjoy.....Laurie

Average customer rating:

Just another love story
A literate, moving film
A well made adaptation!
Threesome with tanks
Don't let the title fool you!

The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis , Juliette Binoche , Lena Olin , Derek de Lint , and Erland Josephson
Director: Philip Kaufman
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

( U ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Henry & June
Ryan's Daughter (Two-Disc Special Edition)
The Passenger
9 songs - Unrated Full Uncut Version
Lie With Me

ASIN: B000069I01
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Just another love story.......2007-05-18

A literate, moving film.......2007-04-12

A well made adaptation!.......2007-02-13

Threesome with tanks.......2007-02-02

Don't let the title fool you!.......2007-02-02

The Unbearable Lightness of Being [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

Just another love story
A literate, moving film
A well made adaptation!
Threesome with tanks
Don't let the title fool you!

The Unbearable Lightness of Being [Region 2]
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis , Juliette Binoche , Lena Olin , Derek de Lint , and Erland Josephson
Director: Philip Kaufman
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video