Dark Blue World

Dark Blue World was a film that cost Jan Svěrák a lot of effort, and it can be said that he sacrificed offers from overseas that came after winning the Oscar, and this drama was supposed to become a showcase of his work. I avoided watching this film for a long time, or maybe it avoided me because I somehow instinctively felt that it wouldn't be my cup of tea. Today, I can say that the true showcase of Svěrák's work remains The Elementary School, or alternatively the beautifully emotional Kolja, but Dark Blue World, considering how much energy and effort the director put into it and how expensive of a project it was, can be considered more of a failure. It's not a disaster, because Svěrák is too experienced and talented of a creator for that, and so many good actors were involved in his project that it is not possible to label Dark Blue World a mistake. However, I get the feeling that stars are being added to the film to a certain extent for the topic and out of a sense of obligation rather than for the actual emotions that the film evokes. Svěrák once stated that he didn't have the prerequisites for certain genres, that he would never be able to make a horror film, no matter how good of a script he had at his disposal, and that is why he could never become a director who makes films on demand. Unfortunately, he can easily include war films among those genres he has no affinity for. Dark Blue World is much more of a love story set against the backdrop of World War II than a war film. The battle scenes were not interesting to me, and if I were to compare it with its genre companions, then Riders in the Sky or Memphis Belle leave Dark Blue World far behind. The film simply doesn't work as it should. Overall impression: 60%. (24/05/2015)

After 8 years I finally watched the DVD after many reruns on TV and at the movie theater... and I can definitely say that I love this movie and that it's aging like fine wine. :) There's nothing wrong with it. Period. As an interesting bonus for BBC Narnia fans, Sophie Wilcox appeared as WAAF Jane and that made me very happy too. (17/02/2009)

My favorite Czech film, which matures in an incredible way. That's why I'm sad that it eventually got labeled as a calculated or unbelievable attempt. Svěrák's life's work, even on the tenth screening, still has a strong impact. Whether it's thanks to the unbeatable performance of the entire male ensemble or the touching and precisely targeted Soukup's music. I will continue to be moved or trembling in the Dark Blue World many more times. (04/02/2006)

This romance in the film seems terribly shallow and servile to mainstream cinema, which I think is a pity, because the reality of how war hardships interweave with post-war ones, which are no worse, and even more senseless. It beautifully portrays how heroism is a double-edged sword, and fighting for one's country can mean digging one's own grave. It is terrifying and tragically truthful. (10/05/2015)

If you want grand action, an engaging romance and extravagant production design, watch Pearl Harbor. If you are a lover of more intimate films, smaller independent creators, and especially appreciate excellently portrayed Czech nostalgia, watch Dark Blue World and you will not be disappointed. Probably the greatest Czech film, which compared to its Western counterparts may seem like a poor relative, but Jan and Zdeněk Svěrák really stepped up and hats off to them. Ondřej Vetchý is excellent. (19/07/2014)