For those unfamiliar with the deeper points of world history, “Anthropoid” might sound like something alien and out of this world. In actuality, “Operation Anthropoid” was the code name given for the assassination attempt of the infamous German SS officer Reinhard Heydrich, the main architect of the “Final Solution” (the Nazi plan to exterminate the Jewish people during World War II). The new film, simply titled “Anthropoid,” opening in Los Angeles at the Landmark Theater this Friday, is a more slow-burning drama than edge-of-your-seat action thriller and tells the story of two fearless Czechoslovakian soldiers who attempted the assassination mission, an operation that would change Europe forever.
Based on actual events, this World War II thriller captures the grim and anxiety-ridden feelings of fear during that infamous period in world history; where danger looms around every street corner and in every untrustworthy individual met. The two rogue characters who must navigate these perilous waters are our main characters, Josef Gabcík (Cillian Murphy) and Jan Kubiš (Jamie Dornan), a pair of exiled soldiers who plan to assassinate Heydrich (Detlef Bothe), third in command from Hitler and the leader of the Nazi forces in Czechoslovakia.
“Anthropoid” opens with a series of title cards and historical footage that leads into Germany’s rise to power with the signing of The Munich Agreement – a written pact agreed upon by Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy that, in a simplified version of events, allowed Germany to invade and overtake Czechoslovakia (now regarded as a failed act of appeasement toward Germany).
Gabcík and Kubiš parachute into their now-occupied homeland, and – after a rendezvous with enemy spies – find shelter in the home of fellow Czechoslovakian-resistance supporters, including the beautiful Marie Kovárníková (Charlotte Le Bon) and Lenka Fafková (Anna Geislerová), who Gabcík and Kubiš fall for shortly. With their support, along with that of Uncle Hajský (Toby Jones) and a handful of others, Gabcík and Kubiš devise a plan that, after studying the daily transportation of the target Heydrich, they feel like they can strike in plain sight. Yet when an unexpected setback jeopardizes the mission, Gabcík and Kubiš are forced to go into hiding while they await news of the attempt, and ultimately must defend themselves against an outmatched Nazi army.
If “Anthropoid” drags for a few scenes in its second act, up until its truly amazing finale, a near twenty-minute-long shoot-out between the small Czechoslovakian band and the Nazi forces, it’s to the credit of both Jamie Dornan and the always-enigmatic Cillian Murphy that the more human elements shine through. Dornan extends his range past his one-note dominator as Christian Grey in “Fifty Shades of Grey” to a fearful yet brave fighter, and Murphy offers weight and experience as the spear-headed leader of the mission.
“Anthropoid” will certainly be enjoyed more when thought of as a slow-burning drama rather than as an action-packed thriller as was 2008’s Tom Cruise-starring “Valkyrie.” Writer and director Sean Ellis should be commended for not only bringing such a gripping and lesser-known story of the assassination of the highest-ranking Nazi officials under Hitler’s regime to light, but capturing the mood and tone of these paranoia-stricken times as well. All things considered, this tightly-wound drama will leave an impact on viewers, not only from its historical importance, but through Dornan and Murphy’s humanization of these characters, making this film and story feel even more remarkable.
‘Anthropoid’ is Rated R for violence and some disturbing images. 120 minutes. Opens this Friday at the Landmark Theater.
