The 2016 film **Anthropoid** is a historical thriller depicting the true story of Operation Anthropoid, a World War II mission by Czechoslovak soldiers to assassinate high-ranking Nazi official Reinhard Heydrich in occupied Prague. Starring Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, the movie focuses on the planning, execution, and brutal aftermath of this critical act of resistance.
History is full of hidden stories of courage. The 2016 film Anthropoid tells one such remarkable story from World War II. Starring Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, this historical drama follows secret resistance fighters on a daring mission against incredible odds, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in real-life heroism.
But beyond the strong performances and tense mood, how does the Anthropoid movie hold up as a film and a historical record? In this Anthropoid movie review, we’ll examine its factual basis and the true story of Operation Anthropoid that inspired it. We’ll analyze the direction and pacing to answer a key question: Is Anthropoid worth watching for both history buffs and fans of gripping wartime thrillers? Let’s explore this powerful and often-overlooked film.
What is the Anthropoid Movie About?
A Quick Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
The 2016 film Anthropoid is a thriller based on a true story from World War II. It follows two Czech paratroopers: Josef Gabčík, played by Cillian Murphy, and Jan Kubiš, played by Jamie Dornan.
Their mission was to return to their Nazi-occupied homeland of Czechoslovakia. They were sent from London to assassinate one of the Third Reich’s most ruthless leaders: Reinhard Heydrich, known as “The Butcher of Prague.” The film builds suspense as the two men try to complete their mission with few resources. If they fail, they face certain death, and many innocent people will be punished.
The movie is about more than just the assassination. It explores the great personal sacrifices the soldiers made and the dangers they faced. It also shows the bravery of the local resistance, who risked everything to help the mission. The film is a powerful look at courage and difficult moral choices under extreme pressure.
The Historical Context: Operation Anthropoid
The film Anthropoid is based on a true story. It tells the account of a real, top-secret mission called Operation Anthropoid. The mission was planned by the exiled Czechoslovak government in Britain during World War II. The goal was bold: to assassinate SS Obergruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich.
Why target Heydrich? He was a high-ranking Nazi official and one of Hitler’s top men. He was Chief of the Reich Security Main Office, which included the Gestapo. He also ruled over occupied Czechoslovakia. Heydrich was a main planner of the Holocaust and led the 1942 Wannsee Conference, where the “Final Solution to the Jewish Question” was made official [1]. His cruelty in Czechoslovakia earned him his infamous nickname.
The mission was very risky. The British Special Operations Executive (SOE) trained Gabčík and Kubiš, who parachuted into Czechoslovakia in December 1941. Their goal was to kill Heydrich. This would be a major blow to Nazi morale and show that the Czech resistance was still fighting. It was a desperate plan that could lead to terrible results for local citizens. Still, the courage of those involved is an amazing part of history.
Is the film Anthropoid based on a true story?
Comparing Fact vs. Fiction in the Movie
Is the movie Anthropoid fact or fiction? For the most part, the film stays true to history. It accurately shows Operation Anthropoid [2], the 1942 mission to assassinate top Nazi official Reinhard Heydrich [3].
The main story, the key people, and the tragic ending are all true to history. The filmmakers carefully included many historical details.
But like any movie based on a true story, some things were changed for dramatic effect. These changes often make the story better and help develop the characters. Here are a few examples:
- Relationships: Some relationships or romantic subplots may be exaggerated to make the story more emotional.
- Dialogue: Since no one knows exactly what was said, the movie’s dialogue was written to fit the time and situation.
- Timeline: To keep the story moving, some events are condensed or shown in a shorter time frame.
- Small Details: Minor things, like background characters or exact procedures, might be changed for dramatic effect.
Even with these small changes, the film shows the real danger the paratroopers faced. It also shows the great courage of the Czech resistance. This makes Anthropoid a powerful and mostly true story.
The Real Heroes Behind the Mission
The true story of Operation Anthropoid is about great courage. The film focuses on the real people who risked everything. The main heroes were two paratroopers: Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš.
Both men were soldiers in the exiled Czechoslovak army. They volunteered for a very dangerous mission. Their target was Reinhard Heydrich, also known as the “Butcher of Prague.” He was a main planner of the Holocaust [3]. Killing him would be a major blow to the Nazi regime.
Gabčík and Kubiš parachuted into Czechoslovakia in December 1941. Their mission was full of danger from the start. They got essential help from the local Czech resistance, which included many ordinary people. These brave citizens gave them safe places to stay, food, and information. They knew that helping the paratroopers was very risky. If caught, they and their families faced torture and death.
The film correctly shows their struggle and the ambush of Heydrich in Prague on May 27, 1942. This brave act led to Heydrich’s death days later [2]. The Nazi manhunt that followed was brutal. Gabčík, Kubiš, and other paratroopers hid in the crypt of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, where they made their final stand [4].
The courage of these soldiers and their supporters is very moving. They gave their lives for freedom. Their story is a powerful example of the human spirit standing up to tyranny.
Is Anthropoid worth watching?
Is Anthropoid worth watching? Yes, especially if you like historical dramas and tense true stories. This is not a lighthearted film. Instead, it offers a raw, emotional look at bravery in the face of great danger. Let’s look at what makes this anthropoid movie special.
Analyzing the Performances: Cillian Murphy & Jamie Dornan
A film like Anthropoid depends on its lead actors. Here, Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan give great performances. They play the real-life Czech and Slovak paratroopers, Jan Kubiš and Jozef Gabčík, with a lot of depth.
Murphy, as the more reserved Jan Kubiš, shows a deep internal struggle. You can see the weight of his impossible mission in his eyes. He captures the character’s quiet desperation and growing determination. Dornan is just as good as Jozef Gabčík. Gabčík is the more determined and confident of the two. Dornan moves past any expectations from his previous roles. He shows Gabčík’s strong commitment and his anger at the Nazi regime.
Together, their chemistry on screen is clear. They show a strong, reluctant bond of brotherhood between two men in an impossible situation. They powerfully show real fear, hints of hope, and the final sacrifice. Their detailed acting makes the audience feel the emotional weight of the mission.
Direction, Pacing, and Cinematography
Sean Ellis directed Anthropoid, and his vision is key to the film’s impact. He does a great job of creating a real sense of dread and urgency. The film feels very real. It pulls the audience right into occupied Prague in 1942. Ellis avoids making it overly dramatic. Instead, he focuses on the human cost and the brutal realities of war.
The movie builds tension slowly and deliberately. The first half carefully sets up the characters and their dangerous mission. But the second half becomes a non-stop, intense thriller. This leads to one of the most intense and difficult siege scenes ever filmed. The cinematography is also very effective. It uses a dark, somber color scheme, which adds to the grim feeling of wartime Europe. Close-up shots often show the actors’ raw emotions. The visual style is a perfect match for the serious story.
The historical detail in the sets and costumes is also excellent. This dedication makes the film feel very immersive. The movie was filmed in Prague, which adds to its authenticity [5].
Our Final Verdict
So, should you watch Anthropoid? If you like historical thrillers, war dramas, or strong character stories, then yes. It’s a film that grabs your attention. It will stay with you long after it’s over. It can be a tough film to watch because it’s intense and serious, but it’s an important story.
The film is a powerful tribute to the brave people involved in Operation Anthropoid. It shows a key moment in World War II history. The great performances by Murphy and Dornan are reason enough to watch it. When you add Ellis’s expert direction and the gritty camera work, Anthropoid becomes a powerful film.
If you want a moving and historically important film, add Anthropoid to your watchlist. It shows the strength and sacrifice people are capable of.
If you enjoyed Anthropoid, you might also appreciate these similar films:
| Movie Title | Genre | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Man with the Iron Heart (2017) | Biographical Drama, Thriller | Another film depicting Operation Anthropoid and the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich. |
| Valkyrie (2008) | Historical Thriller, War | A World War II film about the 20 July plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. |
| Darkest Hour (2017) | Biographical Drama, War | While different in focus, it offers another intense look at a critical WWII moment, also starring Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill (and Cillian Murphy also has a role!). |
What happened at the end of Anthropoid?
The Final Stand: Ending Explained (Spoilers Ahead)
The ending of the Anthropoid movie is both intense and heartbreaking. It shows the paratroopers’ desperate last moments. Here, we’ll explain the final sacrifice these heroes made.
The Betrayal and the Siege
After the team assassinates SS-Obergruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich, a huge manhunt starts. The Gestapo and SS search everywhere for them. Soon, a fellow paratrooper named Karel Čurda betrays his team. He tells the Nazis their hiding place: the crypt of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral in Prague [6].
On June 18, 1942, over 700 SS soldiers surround the cathedral. The seven paratroopers inside are hopelessly outnumbered. The group includes the film’s main characters, Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš.
The Battle in the Church
The fighting starts in the main part of the church. Gabčík, Kubiš, and their team fight back hard against the Nazi soldiers. The Germans attack with grenades and machine guns. Despite their bravery, Kubiš is badly wounded early in the fight. He later dies from his injuries.
Gabčík and the others retreat to the crypt below, where a long, brutal fight begins. The SS tries several ways to force them out. They pump in tear gas and try to flood the crypt with fire hoses. But the paratroopers refuse to give up, even managing to block the drains.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
The paratroopers are trapped. If caught, they face torture and will be forced to talk. They refuse to let that happen. With little ammunition left, they make a final, heavy choice. They use their last bullets to take their own lives. This sacrifice keeps them from revealing secrets and protects their allies.
Here’s how their final stand ends:
- Jozef Gabčík and the other paratroopers choose death instead of surrender.
- They use their last bullets to end their lives.
- Their sacrifice prevents them from sharing secrets during torture.
- Their actions become a powerful symbol of defiance against the Nazis.
The film ends with a sad tone, showing the huge personal cost of the mission. The courage they showed in their final moments is inspiring. It drives home the film’s powerful message about freedom and sacrifice.
How Can You Watch the Anthropoid Movie?
Is Anthropoid on Netflix?
Many movie fans ask if the Anthropoid movie is on Netflix. But where a movie is streaming can change quickly. Movies often move from one service to another.
Right now, the Anthropoid movie is not on Netflix in most regions. Since this can change, you should check the Netflix app or website. A quick search will show you if it’s available where you live.
Where to Rent or Buy the Film
If you can’t find Anthropoid on your streaming service, there are other ways to see it. You can rent or buy the movie online to watch it instantly.
Here are some popular online stores where you can often find the Anthropoid movie:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can usually rent or buy it here [7].
- Apple TV (iTunes): Rent or buy the movie, often in HD.
- Google Play Store: Rent or buy the movie to watch on different devices.
- Vudu: A service with a large library that often has 4K options.
- YouTube Movies & TV: Easily rent or buy movies right on YouTube.
If you prefer a physical copy, the Anthropoid movie is also on DVD and Blu-ray. This is a good choice for collectors or for anyone who wants to own the film permanently. Check major retailers and online stores to see if it’s in stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the movie called Anthropoid?
The title Anthropoid was the codename for a real World War II mission. The goal of this mission was to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking Nazi leader. He was a key planner of the Holocaust and the brutal Nazi ruler of Bohemia and Moravia. The movie’s title directly reflects this important historical event.
Who is in the main cast of Anthropoid?
The Anthropoid movie has a strong cast, featuring several well-known actors in key roles. The film focuses on the two lead paratroopers.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Cillian Murphy | Jozef Gabčík |
| Jamie Dornan | Jan Kubiš |
| Toby Jones | Uncle Hajský |
| Charlotte Le Bon | Marie Kovárníková |
| Anna Geislerová | Lenka Fafková |
| Harry Lloyd | Adolf Opálka |
| Alena Mihulová | Mrs. Moravcová |
These actors deliver intense and memorable performances. They truly bring this incredible true story to life.
What was the real Operation Anthropoid?
Operation Anthropoid was a top-secret military mission during World War II. It was planned by the Czechoslovak government-in-exile in London. The mission’s main goal was to assassinate Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich in Prague [8].
Heydrich was known as “The Butcher of Prague” for his extreme cruelty. His assassination was an important act of resistance. The mission was led by two Czechoslovak paratroopers, Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš. They trained in Great Britain before parachuting into occupied Czechoslovakia in December 1941. The attack happened on May 27, 1942. However, the mission came at a great cost. The brave paratroopers, along with many who helped them, lost their lives. Their courage remains a powerful symbol of Czech and Slovak resistance.
Sources
- https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/reinhard-heydrich
- https://www.britannica.com/event/Operation-Anthropoid
- https://www.ushmm.org/collections/bibliography/reinhard-heydrich
- https://www.memorialheydrich.cz/en
- https://www.filmneweurope.com/news/czech-republic-news/item/112613-prague-becomes-itself-for-wwii-film-anthropoid
- https://www.memorial-heydrich.cz/en/
- https://www.amazon.com/
- https://www.holocaustencyclopedia.org/content/article/operation-anthropoid/
