Jan Svěrák's Dark Blue World stands among the most successful Czech films of recent decades. This wartime drama and love story pays tribute to the Czechoslovak pilots who fought alongside the British Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II.
The film follows František Sláma (Ondřej Vetchý), a brave pilot who escapes occupied Czechoslovakia in 1939 to join the fight against Nazi Germany. His daily struggle for survival and human dignity takes a dramatic turn with a fateful encounter with the beautiful Englishwoman Susan, profoundly affecting his life and friendship with the young pilot Vojtíšek (Kryštof Hádek). 
Svěrák masterfully portrays not only the dangers of wartime flights but also the betrayal Czech pilots faced post-war, as many were persecuted by the communist regime upon returning home. The film won four Czech Lions (Best Director, Cinematography, Music, and Editing), the Film Critics' Award, and the Grand Prize at the Varna Festival.
Interesting Fact:
The scene where Vojtíšek (Kryštof Hádek) crashes in France and Lieutenant Sláma (Ondřej Vetchý) returns to rescue him, both flying back in one fighter plane, is inspired by a true event. In reality, the passenger was American Lieutenant Colonel James A. Gunn III, the pilot was Romanian Crown Prince Constantine Cantacuzino, and their destination was an American airbase in Foggia. 
The film proves that impactful war storytelling doesn't necessarily require expensive visual effects. Its strength lies in powerful performances, an emotional script, and precise direction.