The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)
I don’t know when I started to like to watch some old films, maybe, it’s age, nostalgia and something pure. Today I watched the film ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’. It’s a film older than me, so I’m going to write some thoughts about it.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a classic film adapted from Czech author Milan Kundera’s novel of the same name. Directed by Philip Kaufman and released in 1988, the movie follows the intertwined lives of Tomas, a doctor; Tereza, a photographer; and Sabina, an artist. Set against the backdrop of late 1960s Prague, it explores the complex love and political tension among the three, focusing on the contrast between “lightness” and “heaviness.”
1. The Philosophical Question of Lightness and Heaviness
One of the film’s core themes is the philosophical idea of “lightness” versus “heaviness.” Tomas embodies the “light” lifestyle, seeking freedom from emotional burdens and enjoying transient relationships, while Tereza gravitates toward “heaviness,” longing for deep emotional bonds and a committed connection with Tomas. This contrast prompts reflection: does lightness and freedom truly lead to happiness? Or is it life’s “weight” that makes it meaningful?
2. Love, Desire, and Loyalty
The Unbearable Lightness of Being delves into the complex relationships between love, desire, and loyalty. Tomas’s view of free love clashes with Tereza’s desire for commitment, highlighting the internal conflicts in relationships. Tomas feels both attachment to and guilt toward Tereza, who suffers from his infidelities but is unable to leave him. This “push and pull” between them reflects humanity’s dual need for both desire and loyalty. Their ultimate fate underscores the bittersweet nature of love and the gravity of commitment.
3. Historical Background and Human Nature
The film is set during the Prague Spring of 1968, a time when the Czech people, under Soviet rule, were striving for more freedom. This historical setting adds a layer of gravity to the story. The repression of love and desire against a politically stifling backdrop conveys a profound sense of sorrow and helplessness. Sabina, a free-spirited artist, embodies the ideals of personal liberation, appealing to Tomas’s free-spirited side, yet has no interest in Tereza’s loyalty. Through Sabina’s character, the film symbolizes the inner conflict and moral struggles of intellectuals under oppressive regimes.
4. Visual Style and Cinematic Language
Director Philip Kaufman uses nuanced cinematography and carefully composed shots to portray Prague’s cold beauty and oppressive atmosphere. The film makes frequent use of natural light and expressive camera angles, immersing the audience in that turbulent period. This style not only conveys the characters’ emotions but also deepens the film’s themes, particularly through Sabina’s black-and-white photography, which contrasts with color to express her defiance against social realities.
5. Intricate Depiction of Characters’ Inner Worlds
The characters’ inner worlds are rich and complex. Tomas vacillates between freedom and commitment, feeling torn between contradictory desires. Tereza’s innocence and emotional struggle are deeply moving, while Sabina embodies a steadfast idealism, pursuing personal freedom and independence. Each character’s choices and fate reflect the multifaceted nature of human emotion and moral complexity.
Conclusion
The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a film filled with philosophical depth and artistic beauty. It transcends a simple love story, probing into the tensions between freedom, responsibility, love, desire, and human nature. The ending is steeped in melancholy and ambivalence, leaving viewers with a sense of both heaviness and ineffable relief. This intricate portrayal of complex emotions makes The Unbearable Lightness of Being an unforgettable classic.
