7.2
Where can I stream The Unbearable Lightness of Being legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle4
Heart
Moving and romantic
- Pathos8
- Romance7
- Melancholy7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Satire & Parody4
- Dark Humor4
World
Politics, the mind, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and romantic
Emotionally, it's moving, romantic, and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
World
MediumPolitics, the mind, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around politics, the mind, and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
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.
Romantic DramaHistorical SettingCharacter-DrivenPolitical IntrigueComplex RelationshipsExistential ThemesEmotional DepthThought-Provoking
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Unbearable Lightness of Being worth watching?
77
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 86%, and Metacritic 73). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Unbearable Lightness of Being rated?
RNuditySexual content
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: nudity and sexual content.
How long is The Unbearable Lightness of Being?
2 h 51 min
The Unbearable Lightness of Being runs 2 h 51 min.
Is The Unbearable Lightness of Being based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Unbearable Lightness of Being?
Critics80
Audiences77
Yes. Critics average 80 and audiences 77 out of 100, so both groups see The Unbearable Lightness of Being much the same way.
Was The Unbearable Lightness of Being a box office hit?
Budget$17 million
Box office$10 million
No. It cost about $17 million to make and earned $10 million worldwide, 59% of its budget.
What language is The Unbearable Lightness of Being in?
EnglishCzech
It was made in English, with some Czech. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Unbearable Lightness of Being?
71
+57
+57GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Unbearable Lightness of Being in 71 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Unbearable Lightness of Being use?
Arc WordsAdapted OutThe BoreEye ScreamFallen-on-Hard-Times JobFutureshadowingDeath by Newbery MedalPosthumous CharacterDirty CommiesFriends with BenefitsNothing Exciting Ever Happens HereCall to Agricultureand 2 more
TV Tropes lists 14 storytelling tropes for The Unbearable Lightness of Being, including Arc Words, Adapted Out, The Bore.