The Unbearable Lightness of Being 1988
Director: Philip Kaufman
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This film, with such a provocative title, is based on a novel by Milan Kundera published in 1984. It takes place during the Prague Spring of 1968. Against the backdrop of political upheaval in Poland, the narrative explores what it means to be liberated from political oppression as well as the pursuit of sexual freedom.
The phrase 'being light' probably has its roots in the New Testament, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30). It is said that keeping up the strict law of the Pharisees was difficult, so the followers were told to leave their burden to Jesus. So, to be light is to be free.
Freedom comes with its burdens. It is an essential privilege that humans strive for. Its significance cannot be overstated for the modern individual who values self-expression and individualism. Achieving complete freedom without the burden of control can be challenging. Although all forms of governance appear promising at their inception, they ultimately falter miserably. The concept of an authoritarian leader supposedly ordained by God only functions well as long as circumstances are favourable. In the face of calamity, people would seize their pitchforks and sickles to demand equality. The equal distribution and Kafkaesque rule ultimately turn on themselves. Just when one believes that capital would save the day, it reveals its inherent predatory nature, fuelled by human greed.
Through much trial and error, society has established rules for how individuals engage in communal living. Many of these regulations lack a scientific foundation and are established solely by consensus, with sexual engagement being one such example.
Although people may disagree with this arrangement, they generally adhere to it. Nonetheless, they long to defy the law.
This film endeavours to illustrate the merits and drawbacks of both arrangements, namely, a more unrestricted form of governance and an open relationship where loyalty to one partner is not essential. It recounts the transformative times of 1968 Prague when a dynamic new leader assumed control. His notions of press freedom and literary liberty clash with their Russian superiors, who rolled their tanks into Prague. Against this backdrop is a free-spirited young surgeon whose perspective on sex is libertarian, bordering on promiscuity. The doctor eschews monogamy. While in a relationship, he meets and marries another woman. He maintains his affair with his girlfriend while she is in another relationship. The doctor and his girlfriend pursue different life paths due to the events in Prague. By the end of the journey, we are left with the impression that adhering to a conventional and familiar path may lead to a more fulfilling outcome.
At times, we project an image of 'being light', appearing easy or free (light), to convince ourselves that we are fine. 'The burden of being light' refers to the paradoxical feeling of being weighed down by the pressure to appear carefree, effortless, or joyful, even when facing personal struggles or difficulties. It embodies the stress of continuously presenting a lighthearted façade while concealing the heavier emotions beneath. 'Light' typically signifies ease and freedom, whereas 'burden' suggests heaviness and stress, creating a paradoxical image. Social media influencers, multi-level marketing entrepreneurs, individuals in leadership roles, and those who are inherently optimistic experience the pressure of constantly uplifting others, even when they themselves require support. The incessant need to appear light can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even depression if one feels unable to express their true emotions. The necessity to feign freedom is challenging. Sometimes, it is easier to be like sheep and follow the breadcrumbs left by those who have walked the same path.
