Tomas, a top surgeon in Prague, is a master of seduction. Sabina, an artist, is a free-spirit like Tomas, who craves physical fulfilment without the burden of love: she is one of Tom's mistresses. Life is blissfully simple until Tomas meets young and innocent Tereza who awakens in him a tenderness he never knew possible. But it is 1968 and, as the Russian tanks roll into Czechoslovakia, Tomas' world begins to destabilise. Tomas refuses to compromise his political integrity and is, conseqently, barred from his old profession. He becomes a window cleaner which offers him new opportunities for erotic friendships. Tereza, now distraught, suggests a move to the country where it will be difficult for Tomas to practice his infidelities. Here, in the relative simplicity of country life, they attempt to achieve happiness; but their days are numbered.