Anthropoid is a 2016 historical war drama film directed by Sean Ellis, based on a true story. The film revolves around
Operation Anthropoid, a secret operation conducted by the Czechoslovak government-in-exile and the British Special Operations Executive during World War II.The story begins in London, where two Czechoslovak paratroopers, Joseph Gabcik (Jack O'Connell) and Jan Kubis (Jamie Dornan), are recruited for a top-secret mission. Their objective is to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, the ruthless and cunning Reichsprotektor of Bohemia and Moravia, who is responsible for the brutal suppression of Czechoslovakia's resistance movement.Gabcik and Kubis undergo rigorous training and preparation in London before being parachuted into Czechoslovakia. They establish contact with a local resistance group, led by Jan Zelenka (Cillian Murphy), who provides them with crucial information and assistance. The trio devises a plan to assassinate Heydrich, who is known for his extensive security measures and intelligence network.As the operation unfolds, Gabcik and Kubis face numerous challenges, including the danger of being discovered by the Gestapo and the difficulties of navigating
the treacherous landscape of occupied Czechoslovakia. Meanwhile, Heydrich becomes increasingly suspicious of the resistance movement and intensifies his efforts to crush it.The film's tension builds as Gabcik and Kubis prepare for their final showdown with Heydrich. On May 27, 1942, they ambush Heydrich's motorcade in Prague, but their plan is foiled when the vehicle carrying Heydrich is damaged, and they are forced to shoot him at point-blank range in a nearby church. Heydrich succumbs to his injuries, and the Nazis unleash a wave of brutal reprisals against the Czechoslovak population.The aftermath of the assassination is marked by chaos and horror as the Nazis systematically hunt down and execute suspected resistance members and their families. Gabcik and Kubis are eventually tracked down and killed in a fierce shootout with the Gestapo. The film concludes with a poignant tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Czechoslovak resistance fighters who gave their lives for their country's freedom.Throughout the film, the characters' motivations and relationships are expertly woven into the narrative, adding depth and emotion to the story. The cinematography and direction effectively capture the tension and suspense of the operation, while the performances of the lead actors bring the characters to life.