Anthropoid (HBO)

About Anthropoid (HBO) - Plot and Summary

Anthropoid is a gripping historical thriller that was released by HBO in 2016. Directed by Sean Ellis, the film is based on the true story of Operation Anthropoid, a secret World War II mission in Prague with the goal of assassinating SS General Reinhard Heydrich, one of Hitler's top officers and the main architect behind the Final Solution. The plot delves into intense themes of courage, resilience, and the high cost of survival during a time of war. It's a highly compelling watch that keeps viewers on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

Making / Production

The movie is laudable for its historical accuracy, painstakingly recreating wartime Prague. The movie was shot on location in Prague, Czech Republic to capture the authenticity of the period. Directing the movie, Sean Ellis took extensive measures to ensure that details of the operation, costumes, and settings were as close to reality as possible.

Actors

• Cillian Murphy plays Jozef Gabčík, one of the main soldiers behind the operation. He gives an intense performance, mirroring the desperation and determination of a man on a critical mission.
• Jamie Dornan stars as Jan Kubiš, another soldier pivotal to the mission. His performance brings a humane edge to the narrative, portraying the struggles and sacrifices of a soldier.
• Charlotte Le Bon portrays Marie Kovárníková, a key ally. Le Bon instills in her character a powerful sense of hope, bravery, and resilience amid immense danger.
• Toby Jones as Uncle Hajský provides a poignant portrayal of a man leaning on hope amid despair.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's title, "Anthropoid," refers to the code name for the real-life operation upon which the movie is based.
• Director Sean Ellis handled the cinematography himself after the original cinematographer backed out just before filming.
• The characters' Czech accents are intentionally muted because the English-speaking actors found it difficult to maintain heavy accents while also creating convincing performances.

Quotes

• "We are Czechoslovakia. We have to have faith in our Czech people." - Uncle Hajský
• "It is not enough to kill Heydrich. We have to make sure that he is replaced by someone as brutal. Otherwise, the operation is pointless." - Jozef Gabčík
• "There is always a way, brother. No matter what they tell you, there is always a way." - Jan Kubiš

Music, Soundtrack

• "Anthropoid" features a score composed by Robin Foster, which effectively enhances the tense atmosphere of the movie.
• The film's music often borrows from Czech folk tunes, blended seamlessly with compositions that underline the film's thematic elements.