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Poster for Dark Blue World

Dark Blue World

2001 · 1h 52m · R Action, Drama, War
Directed by Jan Svěrák

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Overview

Lt. Franta Slama is a top pilot in the Czech Air Force who is assigned to train a promising young flier, Karel Vojtisek, and they soon become friends. When Nazi Germany invades Czechoslovakia in 1939, they both reject the authority of their new leaders and escape to England where they join other Czech exiles in the RAF. While flying a mission over England, Karel crash lands and happens upon the farmhouse of Susan, a young woman whose husband is in the Navy. Karel soon falls head over heels for Susan but, while they enjoy a brief fling, in time Susan decides she prefers the company of the older and more worldly Franta. As Franta and Karel struggle to maintain their friendship despite their romantic rivalry.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
62%
Tomatometer
Fresh

It's a fitting requiem for heroes forgotten.

Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
Rotten

Looks like the Eastern European version of director Michael Bay's popcorn epic from last summer.

Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
Fresh

A bittersweet world, and it's frankly one to which we've been before, but seldom do we see it rendered with such exquisite, if pained, craftsmanship.

Jay Carr, Boston Globe
Fresh

Dark Blue World's warm story and beautiful photography almost hits the mark, and it has a great ending.

Marta Barber, Miami Herald
Fresh

Pearl Harbor without the product placements, without the Hollywood bombast, and certainly without the $100-million-plus budget.

Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

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