Dark Blue World 2001

In the tense atmosphere of 1950, amid the Cold War, we meet František (Franta) Sláma, portrayed by Ondřej Vetchý, who finds himself imprisoned in Czechoslovakia due to his previous service in the RAF. As he reflects on his past, memories flood back to 1939, just days before the dreaded German invasion of his homeland. With the swift disbandment of the Czechoslovak Army, soldiers like Franta and his close companion Karel Vojtíšek, played by Kryštof Hádek, refuse to surrender, choosing instead to flee to the United Kingdom and join the RAF.

Upon arrival, the Czechoslovaks are met with a grueling retraining program, much to their frustration, particularly for Karel, who is brimming with impatience to confront the Germans. His feelings of humiliation grow as they are put through paces, including mandatory English lessons, which he deems a waste of time. However, due to the pressing need for pilots during the Battle of Britain, the Czechoslovak airmen eventually get their chance to fly. Their initial sortie reveals the harsh reality of war when a fellow countryman, nicknamed “Tom Tom,” is tragically shot down by a Messerschmitt Bf 109.

As Franta ascends to the role of unit commander, Karel remains under his wing, eager yet conflicted. During a critical mission, Karel’s Spitfire is shot down while targeting a Heinkel He 111 bomber. Miraculously, he survives and discovers refuge on a farm, where he meets and becomes infatuated with Susan, played by Tara Fitzgerald, who finds him somewhat too youthful for her taste. The ensuing day brings Franta to the farm, where he also feels an attraction towards Susan, complicating the dynamics of their friendship.

After a harrowing mission in France, where their squadron targets a train, their bond is tested again when Franta saves Karel from being captured after another crash. Unfortunately, a love triangle soon emerges, leading to rising tensions between the friends. As the war drags on, disaster strikes when Franta’s Spitfire malfunctions during a mission protecting American bombers, forcing him into a ditch in the ocean. A desperate attempt by Karel to save him results in a fatal crash, and only by an unexpected turn of events does Franta manage to survive.

With the conclusion of the war, Franta seeks to reconnect with Susan, only to stumble upon her with her recently injured husband, back from combat, which deeply saddens him. He realizes that their paths have irrevocably diverged. Franta returns to Czechoslovakia, only to find his former girlfriend has married and started a family, leaving him to grapple with his past and enduring memories of friendship with Karel as he faces the truths of his new reality in prison.