Dark Blue World
| Video Review
|
 |
| Title: |
Dark Blue World |
| Publisher: |
Sony Pictures Classics,
Culver City, CA |
| Format:
|
DVD |
| Rated:
|
R |
| Reviewed By: |
Frank Fogg |
| Review Date: |
June, 2003 |
| Rating: |
|
I have to admit this is one of those
movies that I saw on the trailer of another foreign film. Since it was about
World War II, I decided to see it when I got the chance, and I must say I wasn't
disappointed. Dark Blue World is the story of a squadron of Czech pilots that
travel to the British Isles at the start of World War II so that they can join
the fight against the Nazis. This DVD is mostly in English with some other languages
(mostly Czech) and English subtitles.
Franta
and Karel are pilots in the Czech airforce as the European conflict begins to
heat up. They never get a chance to fight for their native country in their
obsolete airplanes because the Nazis overrun their airfield and disband their
squadron. They flee to England leaving behind family and friends to join the
fight against the Germans, and are united with other Czechs to form an all-Czech
squadron in the Royal Air Force.
They are dismayed to discover that they will not be allowed to fly and fight
in the Battle of Britain until they improve their English skills. They are forced
instead into mock tactical drills on the ground using bicycles and day-long
classes in English. Karel soons meets a beautiful English woman only to find
she is married to a husband missing in action. His love grows, but then is shattered
as his friend Franta also takes her as his girlfriend. Soon the two friends
are on a collision course as they fight themselves as well as the Nazis.
This is an interesting film and not always entirely predictable. In many ways
it demonstrates the difficulties the Allies faced in integrating so many nationalities
into their ranks. Another dramatic moment comes when the survivors return to
their homes, only to discover that they are no longer welcome and the war has
changed the simple life they once knew. The movie shows an alternate viewpoint
about volunteers from the occupied countries, how they felt about the battle,
and the toll of men and machines the conflict demanded. The action scenes are
intense and realistic, really giving the viewer the feeling they were there.
