A gripping war drama, largely overlooked upon its initial release in 2016, is now making waves on streaming platforms, earning accolades from viewers for its potent narrative and “superb acting.” The film, titled Anthropoid, delves into the harrowing true account of two Czechoslovakian resistance fighters tasked with a daring mission during World War II: to assassinate a high-ranking Nazi official in occupied homeland.
The compelling drama features a stellar cast, including acclaimed Irish actors Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, alongside French actress Charlotte Le Bon. Murphy takes on the role of Jozef Gabčík, while Dornan portrays Jan Kubiš, the two pivotal figures at the heart of the operation. The film itself is named after the actual wartime mission, codenamed “Anthropoid,” which was orchestrated in 1942 with the objective of eliminating Reinhard Heydrich, a notorious SS and Nazi police official.
Heydrich was not just any Nazi officer; he was one of the principal architects of the Holocaust and a figure of immense malevolence within the regime. Hitler himself famously referred to him as “the man with the iron heart,” a testament to his ruthlessness and central role in the Nazi atrocities.
The ensemble cast of Anthropoid is further bolstered by the presence of notable actors such as Harry Lloyd, known for his role in Game of Thrones, and Toby Jones. This independent production, helmed by director Sean Ellis, was reportedly made on a modest budget of $9 million (£6.6 million), a far cry from the blockbuster figures often associated with war films.
Since the release of Anthropoid, Cillian Murphy’s career has ascended to new heights. He recently achieved a significant milestone by winning the Best Actor Oscar for his transformative performance in Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed WWII epic, Oppenheimer. Despite his subsequent major success, Anthropoid continues to resonate with audiences, having cultivated a dedicated fanbase in the years since its debut.
Murphy’s presence continues to capture attention, even in unexpected avenues. He was recently featured, somewhat surprisingly, in Taylor Swift’s latest music video for her song “Opalite.” Fans are eagerly anticipating his return to the small screen as the iconic Tommy Shelby in the forthcoming Peaky Blinders movie, titled The Immortal Man.
Jamie Dornan has also remained active on the film circuit. In 2023, he was last seen on the big screen in Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s A Haunting in Venice. His upcoming projects include a role in Michael Cera’s directorial debut, Love Is Not the Answer, where he will star alongside Pamela Anderson and Steve Coogan.
For those eager to experience this powerful wartime narrative, Anthropoid is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
The Historical Context of Operation Anthropoid
Operation Anthropoid was one of the most significant covert missions undertaken by the Czechoslovak government-in-exile during World War II. Its primary objective was to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, the Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia. Heydrich was a key figure in the Nazi hierarchy, responsible for implementing the Final Solution and a brutal enforcer of Nazi policy in the occupied territories.
The planning and execution of the operation were fraught with peril. Two young soldiers, Jan Kubiš and Jozef Gabčík, were selected for the mission. They underwent rigorous training before being parachuted into their homeland in December 1941. The assassination attempt itself took place on May 27, 1942, in Prague.
The Aftermath and Legacy
While the assassination attempt on Heydrich was ultimately successful in that he succumbed to his wounds days later, it came at a terrible cost. The Nazis retaliated with unprecedented ferocity, unleashing a wave of brutal reprisals. The villages of Lidice and Ležáky were completely destroyed, their male inhabitants executed, and the women and children deported to concentration camps. Thousands of Czechs were arrested, tortured, and killed in the aftermath.
Despite the devastating consequences, Operation Anthropoid is widely regarded as a symbol of Czech resistance and courage against Nazi tyranny. It demonstrated to the world that occupied nations would not passively accept Nazi rule and that acts of defiance, however dangerous, were possible. The film Anthropoid brings this compelling and tragic chapter of history to a wider audience, highlighting the bravery of the soldiers and the immense sacrifices made.
