On May 17th, Some Like It Czech is hosting a screening event for the uplifting drama Dark Blue World, a heartfelt tribute to the heroic Czechoslovak pilots who served in the British Royal Air Force during World War II.

Directed by the acclaimed Oscar-winning filmmaker Jan Svěrák, this movie has been hailed as the main source of inspiration for the Hollywood blockbuster Pearl Harbor.

To add an extra layer of context and insight, this screening will be accompanied by an introduction by a RAF historian Daniel Švec.

“The heroes of the air battles over Europe, who won us respect among the peoples of all countries of the world, are gloriously returning to Prague, from where they once fled like outlaws. They were greeted at Ruzyně airport by general Svoboda and numerous officials.” With these words, the Czechoslovak Film Weekly reported on the return of the Czechoslovak pilots who served in RAF in August 1945. And these heroes are coming back once again… on a silver screen with the movie Dark Blue World (2001, watch the trailer) directed by an Academy winner Jan Svěrák. 

The film follows the story of two Czech pilots, who escape their homeland after the Nazi occupation and join the British Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. These best friends and brothers in arms, are not only being tested by the severe fights, but also by the matter of love. Does the last sentence ring a bell? 

Well, it just might, as rumours have it that the cinematic sensation Pearl Harbor drew significant inspiration from none other than Dark Blue World. After the success of Svěrák’s Oscar-winning picture Kolya (1996), the Miramax studio signed a contract with Svěrák that obliged the director to let the studio see the script of his next film first, which it did.

The director showed a script for the Dark Blue World, but Miramax studio eventually didn’t realise this project. However, a few years later Miramax produced the worldwide hit Pearl Harbor, which had a strikingly similar plot. Director Svěrák even said, “I’m sure the script was stolen.”

However, due to the complicated justice system in the US, no legal actions were taken. Just like Pearl Harbor, Dark Blue World features stunning aerial scenes and impressive cinematography, capturing the intensity and danger of aerial combat during the war.

Although the story of Dark Blue World is a fiction, the movie received critical acclaim for its authenticity in depicting the Czechoslovakian pilots’ experience in the RAF, whereas Pearl Harbor was criticised for its historical inaccuracies. 

To provide additional context and insight into the time period and events depicted in the film,  Some like it Czech will welcome a special guest Daniel Švec. The enthusiastic RAF historian knows  all about the time when Nazis were occupating Czechoslovakia, and a couple of angry and experienced pilots decided that Hitler wasn’t going to get away with it.

These heroes escaped to Britain and joined the Royal Air Force. They eventually played a significant role in the Battle of Britain in 1940, where they provided crucial support in defending the UK from German air attacks. To put it very modestly indeed, their contribution to the Allied war effort was significant. But you will have to wait for the screening to find out more. 

So, listen up, fellow history buffs and movie enthusiasts! Are you ready for a thrilling flight through Czechoslovak history? Then join Some like it Czech on May 17th at Cinema Aero for the screening of Dark Blue World, complemented with English subtitles. And don’t worry, it won’t be a snooze-fest like those boring school lectures.

Instead, get ready for an entertaining and enlightening experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Mark your calendars, buy your tickets and get ready to be blown away (figuratively speaking, of course) by the heroism of these Czechoslovak RAF pilots.