Anthropoid 2016

In September 1938, a pivotal conference takes place in Munich, where Adolf Hitler provocatively demands the territory of Czechoslovakia, threatening war against the leaders of France, Italy, and Great Britain. Left with no allies, Czechoslovakia has no choice but to disband its military, subsequently facing a swift occupation by Germany without a single shot fired.

Fast forward to 1940, and the shadows of World War II loom larger as Hitler’s forces invade Poland. Czechoslovakia, now under occupation, finds its factories instrumental to the German war effort, but resistance mounts from within. In this climate of turmoil, the notorious Reinhard Heydrich, often referred to as the butcher of Prague, is dispatched by Hitler to restore order.

By December 1941, the Czechoslovak government-in-exile sends two brave agents, Jozef Gabcik and Jan Kubis, back into their homeland via parachute. A fateful landing causes Jozef injury as he crashes through the foliage, but both men are determined to establish contact with the local resistance. Their mission takes a tumultuous turn when they cross paths with two supposed resistance fighters, who are revealed as traitors. In the ensuing chaos, one traitor is shot by Jozef while the other escapes due to Jan’s shaky aim.

As they forge onward, they reach out to Dr. Eduard, played by Sean Mahon, who tends to Jozef’s injuries and helps them connect with the local resistance led by “Uncle” Jan Zelenka-Hajsky and Ladislav Vanek. The agents lay out their intentions to execute Operation Anthropoid, aimed at assassinating Heydrich, the architect behind the Final Solution and a high-ranking Nazi in Czechoslovakia.

Ladislav, however, harbors deep skepticism regarding the feasibility of this undertaking, fearing the dire repercussions it might unleash on their beloved Prague. Jozef argues that their orders stem directly from their government in exile, but Ladislav contends that such a bold move might merely be an effort to impress the allies. Despite the reservations, Hajsky supports the cause, recognizing the significance of showcasing Czechoslovaks’ willingness to resist.

The agents find refuge with the Moravec family, who provide them shelter as they prepare for the perilous mission. Limited resources and intelligence confront them at every turn in this heavily-policed city. With the aid of two courageous women—Marie Kovarnikova and Lenka Fafkova—they devise a strategy to ambush Heydrich as he makes his way to the Castle of Prague. As they gather intelligence on Heydrich’s patterns and routines, the agents realize their only viable opportunity to strike lies in transit between his home and office.

When news arrives that Heydrich is set to visit Paris, the operation springs to life with the addition of other agents parachuting into the fray. On May 27, 1942, their attempt unfolds but almost unravels when Jozef’s weapon jams. Yet, in a harrowing turn, Heydrich is gravely wounded due to Jan’s bomb detonation and Jozef’s subsequent gunfire.

However, in the wake of the assassination, the agents become hunted prey, and Nazi retaliation ensues with the rounding up of countless Czech citizens. This violent onslaught intensifies when Heydrich passes away, setting off a chain reaction that leads to the systematic execution of resistance members. Betrayal resurfaces as resistance fighter Karel Curda contacts Karl Hermann Frank, leading to a grievous disclosure of the agents’ hideout, resulting in the arrest and tragic end of the Moravec family and others.

As troops storm their refuge at the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the last stand unfolds. The agents fight valiantly but face insurmountable odds, leading to their tragic demise—some committing suicide to avoid capture. Jozef, gazing upon a vision of Lenka, finds solace in his final moments.

The fallout of their resistance brings unspeakable horrors, as communities are eradicated and a brutal campaign of reprisal falls upon the Czech nation, marking a dark chapter with the loss of over 15,000 lives in the aftermath of what history remembers as the “Heydrich Terror.” The assassination of Heydrich stands as a rare, stark defiance against the Nazi regime during the Second World War, echoing as a testament to courage and tragedy intertwined.