Search - The Unbearable Lightness of Being [Special Edition] [Criterion Collection] on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Nudity, Strong Sexual Content, Not For Children Movie Release: 1988 DVD Release: 09/14/1999 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 52 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 54 Genres: Drama, Erotic Drama, Political Drama, Marriage Drama See Also: The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The Unbearable Lightness of Being [Special Edition]

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. Even though he's supposedly committed, Tomas continues his wanton womanizing, notably with his silken mistress Sabina (Lena Olin). Escaping the 1968 Russian invasion of Prague by heading for Geneva, Sabina takes up with another man and unexpectedly develops a friendship with Tereza. Meanwhile, Tomas, who previously was interested only in sex, becomes politicized by the collapse of Czechoslovakia's Dubcek regime. The Unbearable Lightness of Being may be too leisurely for some viewers, but other viewers may feel the same warm sense of inner satisfaction that is felt after finishing a good, long novel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Daniel Day-Lewis - Tomas
Juliette Binoche - Tereza
Lena Olin - Sabina
Derek de Lint - Franz
Erland Josephson - The Ambassador

The Unbearable Lightness of Being is entirely bearable in this Criterion Collection DVD edition. If the image is a bit soft, it's still quite colorful and accurate in this 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio presentation. Background flicker rears its head now and then but never wholly distracts. Sven Nykvist's beautiful cinematography is intact and breathtaking. The stereo sound is perhaps quieter than it should be, but bold at high volumes. The musical score is vivacious and clear. The supplemental material consists solely of an audio commentary that features director Philip Kaufman, co-writer Jean-Claude Carrière, editor Walter Murch, and actor Lena Olin. Why Lena Olin is featured instead of lead actor Daniel Day-Lewis is something of a mystery, but the foursome provides an interesting, if heavy-handed, look at the film, with many insights into the source material -- Milan Kundera's unfilmable novel. The DVD is broken into 43 chapters, all of which can be selected via chapter title from the "Chapters" menu. ~ Tim DiGravina, All Movie Guide