Anthropoid

We review the gripping true story about the Czech resistance's plan to assassinate the third highest ranking Nazi official.

Watching Anthropoid, I felt astonished this particular part of World War II had not been told on film before. Then I discovered it had, in a film I confess I have not seen (1975's Operation Daybreak). Either way, this account of the Czech resistance's plan to assassinate the third highest ranking Nazi official Reinhard Heydrich, and its aftermath, is a superbly gripping true story.

One gets a real sense for director Sean Ellis's passion for the project. It centres on resistance fighters Josef Gabcik (Cillian Murphy) and Jan Kubis (Jamie Dornan), who are covertly parachuted back into Czechoslovakia, under orders from the exiled Czech government in London, to contact what remains of the resistance and bring about the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich (known as "The Butcher of Prague"). A suspenseful build-up ensues, along with two stand-out set pieces including the attack on Heydrich itself and the finale, which I won't spoil for those unfamiliar with the facts.

Even if you know the history, the film is a riveting piece of drama for several reasons. Firstly the terrific performances, not just from Murphy and Dornan, but also from supporting cast members (including the always brilliant Toby Jones). Additionally the screenplay is fiercely uncompromising. There is heroism, yes, but at no point does the film overlook how resistance fighters were often frightened and panicked, in some cases enough to turn informer. Nor does this gloss over some of the appalling things the resistance had to do to achieve their goals, setting aside any hope for a normal life.

Arguably, there are a couple of false steps. For instance, in the first few minutes I struggled with the accents a little, and there is a brief moment in the finale that I felt to be misjudged and out of place. Ultimately however, Anthropoid is a stirring and fitting tribute to the courageous men and women who fought in this fascinating chapter of history. It is also a sobering, deeply human story that implicitly challenges the viewer as to what they might do faced with similar evil. Highly recommended.