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.
Daniel Day-Lewis
as Tomas
Juliette Binoche
as Tereza
Lena Olin
as Sabina
Derek de Lint
as Franz
Stellan Skarsgård
as The Engineer
Erland Josephson
as The Ambassador
Pavel Landovský
as Pavel
Donald Moffat
as Chief Surgeon
Daniel Olbrychski
as Interior Ministry Official
Tomasz Borkowy
as Jiri
Bruce Myers
as Czech Editor
Pavel Slabý
as Pavel's Nephew