A Step Into the Dark

Miloslav Luther's film opened in the small central European country in June and had its international premiere at Montreal film festival. A romantic period drama about the choices people are forced to make to survive in times of political and social terror, A Step Into the Dark, directed by Miloslav Luther, is Slovakia's nomination for the best foreign-language Oscar category. Set during and after World War II, it focuses on the emotional and spiritual damage done to a young physician who was forced to execute innocent people. Spurring offers of prestigious jobs in postwar communist central Europe, the doctor (Marko Igonda) embarks on a torrid love affair with a married woman as he struggles to come to terms with his past.