A romantic melodrama set during World War II, this is the story of two Czech pilots, Karel and Franta, who escape their Nazi-occupied homeland to enlist as volunteers with the RAF, only to be stuck cooling their heels in English lessons, and fighting drills on bicycles. Allowed into the air at last, there are dogfights with Messerschmitts, planes shot down, parachute escapes, and attacks on various Nazi installations. For the two friends, however, their unfortunate, mutual fascination with Susan will have consequences that survive the war.
General Note
Special features: Director's and producer's commentary ; Documentary "The Making of Jan Svěrák's Dark Blue World" (33 min.) [subtitled] ; Making-of visual effects (7 min.) ; Aerial symphony (3 min.) ; photo montage ; trailers.
Content Note
Start -- Franta Sláma -- Karel Vojtisek -- Tryst with Hanicka -- Occupation orders -- Karel's documents -- English lessons -- Ambushed by Messerschmitts -- Karel bails out -- Susan -- Missing-in-action -- A different hunger -- Evacuees -- Blaschke's birthday -- An afternoon with Susan -- Dear Karel letter -- David & Goliath -- Something to tell him -- Parents visiting day -- A spin over France -- Two orphans -- "Dark Blue World" -- Saving Franta's life -- Franta apologizes -- The funeral -- Taking a swim -- Back from the dead -- Homecoming.