"Anthropoid" (2016 release from Czech Republic; 120 min.) brings the story, "based on true events" we are reminded at the beginning of the movie, of the attempt by Czech resistance fighters to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, the No. 3 guy in the Nazi hierarchy (behind Hitler and Himmler) and better known as the "Butcher of Prague". This mission was code-named "Project Anthropoid". As the movie opens, we see two guys parachute down outside of Prague. When they get to Prague, their local contact person is missing, but eventually they are led to other resistance fighters. To tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Couple of comments: this is directed by British director Sean Ellis, who also co-wrote the script. The plot takes quite a while to gel, so to speak. More annoyingly, there are way too many hand-held camera shots and/or extreme close-ups for no particular reason other than to give you a headache. All is forgiven, though, in the riveting last 35-40 min. of the movie (biting my tongue--mustn't say more!). The ensemble cast are, other than Toby Jones, all unknowns, at least in the US. The film benefits enormously from having been shot in Prague itself, with the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge featured prominently, and check out also the authentic trams from those days. After the movie's conclusion, we are told what happened in the aftermath of these events. While the movie isn't the best WWII movie, neither is it the worst.
"Anthropoid" recently opened at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati. The Sunday early evening screening where I saw this at was attended nicely, and leaning heavily towards seniors I might add. If you are in the mood for a WWII movie, realizing that not much happens in the first hour of the movie, "Anthropoid" is worth checking out.
Couple of comments: this is directed by British director Sean Ellis, who also co-wrote the script. The plot takes quite a while to gel, so to speak. More annoyingly, there are way too many hand-held camera shots and/or extreme close-ups for no particular reason other than to give you a headache. All is forgiven, though, in the riveting last 35-40 min. of the movie (biting my tongue--mustn't say more!). The ensemble cast are, other than Toby Jones, all unknowns, at least in the US. The film benefits enormously from having been shot in Prague itself, with the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge featured prominently, and check out also the authentic trams from those days. After the movie's conclusion, we are told what happened in the aftermath of these events. While the movie isn't the best WWII movie, neither is it the worst.
"Anthropoid" recently opened at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati. The Sunday early evening screening where I saw this at was attended nicely, and leaning heavily towards seniors I might add. If you are in the mood for a WWII movie, realizing that not much happens in the first hour of the movie, "Anthropoid" is worth checking out.