Cillian Murphy’s Most Underrated Movie Tells a Fascinating World War II True Story

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In a different phrasing, it can be stated that while Cillian Murphy is widely recognized for his powerful roles in “Peaky Blinders”, the Batman trilogy, and “Oppenheimer”, his least recognized performance lies in the 2016 film “Anthropoid”. Directed by Sean Ellis, this movie tells an extraordinary, lesser-known true story from World War II. In this film, Murphy plays Jozef Gabčík, with Jamie Dornan as Jan Kubiš; they are two paratroopers given the mission under Operation Anthropoid to assassinate a high-ranking Nazi general, Reinhard Heydrich, in Prague in 1941.

The film “Anthropoid” garnered a mix of opinions from critics, yet its compelling storyline serves as a significant portrayal of history. Moreover, the captivating performances by Murphy and Dornan significantly enhance the movie’s enjoyment factor. To add, “Anthropoid” showcases spectacular action scenes. Throughout its two-hour duration, it creates an intense atmosphere that makes watching it an exhilarating experience.

Anthropoid Is Great Despite Its Mixed Reception

Despite receiving a 67% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 59, the film Anthropoid deserves more recognition due to its exceptional character development beyond their primary objective. Unlike many war films, Anthropoid delves deeply into the personal lives of its main characters, Gabčík and Kubiš. After parachuting into the region, they engage with various allies in Prague, which is a critical aspect often overlooked in other war movies. Although some viewers might find the initial part of Anthropoid slow-paced, the deliberate buildup allows audiences to understand the true identities of Gabčík and Kubiš. The film effectively portrays their relationships with key figures like Adolf Opálka (Harry Lloyd), Marie Kovárníková (Charlotte Le Bon), Lenka Fafková (Anna Geislerová), and others, providing a rich context for the climactic and action-packed scenes.

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The objective of the resistance was successfully met when Kubiš threw a grenade at Heydrich’s car, critically injuring the SS officer. This dramatic moment is filled with tension, as Gabčík’s gun malfunctioned close to derailing the mission. After Heydrich’s sudden death, the fighters struggled to hide from the Gestapo, creating an atmosphere of unease and apprehension throughout the film. Moreover, Murphy and Dornan deliver convincing performances that show their characters’ resilience, fear, and acceptance of their circumstances with sincerity and precision.

In the finale of “Anthropoid,” the brave resistance fighters make their final heroic stand against the Nazi forces inside a local cathedral. This prolonged scene is filled with tension and devastation, as explosive gunfights erupt throughout the building, culminating in the deaths of Gabčík, Kubiš, and their comrades. The moving ending of “Anthropoid” lingers in the minds of viewers, symbolizing the profound sacrifices made by those who courageously resisted Nazi rule during World War II.

Why Anthropoid Remains an Important War Movie

The importance of the operation known as Anthropoid in our history is undeniable, even though major events like D-Day, the Pearl Harbor attack, and the Battle of Iwo Jima have been portrayed frequently in popular media for years. In contrast, Operation Anthropoid has not been featured extensively in English language World War II-inspired productions. The remarkable tale of a group of soldiers who bravely fought against the Nazi occupation, knowing they might lose their lives, deserves more attention and recognition.

The distinctive subject matter of “Anthropoid” makes it particularly valuable because there aren’t many modern films that portray the heroics of Gabčík and Kubiš as impressively as this one does during the harsh reality of Nazi occupation in Eastern Europe. Not only does the title confront the grimness of the occupation, but it also spotlights the brave efforts to bring it to an end. Regarding the influence of “Anthropoid” on Murphy’s career, his role in the movie is considered one of his strongest performances, even though he is more renowned for other outstanding roles. Unfortunately, neither Murphy nor the film received much recognition in terms of awards, which means that “Anthropoid” continues to be an overlooked masterpiece in the genre of war movies.

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At the moment, you can either rent or buy “Anthropoid” on video-on-demand services like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and YouTube TV.

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2025-02-03 01:10