Anthropoid

In the midst of World War II, the Allied forces devised a daring and treacherous operation to take out one of the most feared Nazi officials, Reinhard Heydrich. Nicknamed the 'Butcher of Prague,' Heydrich was the Reich's Protector of Bohemia and Moravia, responsible for the implementation of harsh policies and brutal suppression of Czech resistance. In December 1941, two Czech soldiers, Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš, are chosen for the perilous mission to assassinate Heydrich. Gabčík, a rugged but charismatic soldier, and Kubiš, a skilled and resourceful explosives expert, parachute into their occupied homeland. They are part of a larger group of operatives, including Slovak soldiers Josef Bublík, Jan Opálka, and Albín Moravčík, who provide crucial support for the mission. Under the codename 'Operation Anthropoid,' the team is tasked with eliminating Heydrich, a highly protected and mobile target with 15,000 soldiers at his disposal. Upon their arrival, the soldiers are met with a complex web of espionage, loyalty, and deception. Operating under the watchful eye of British Intelligence, they are provided with crucial information and resources, but their every move is carefully monitored by the Nazi authorities. The group quickly establishes an intricate network of allies, including Catholic priest Father Karel Čurda's nephew Frantisek Slansky's brother in-law's contact in the Czech resistance movement who supplies them with vital details about Heydrich's movements. The plan is set in motion as Gabčík and Kubiš begin to gather intelligence on Heydrich's daily routine. They study his security escort, learning about the routes he takes and his habits, all while maintaining a low profile to avoid suspicion. Meanwhile, the local resistance is aware of the impending operation and is eager to see the elimination of the notorious Nazi. One of the most crucial members of the team is Frantisek Moravec, an undercover operative who poses as a Slovak soldier. Moravec's inside knowledge and connections within the Slovak community help the group stay one step ahead of their pursuers. Despite the high level of danger, the team remains focused and determined, with Gabčík and Kubiš forming a strong bond as they navigate the treacherous landscape. In the early morning of January 27, 1942, Kubiš is set to carry out the assassination. He plants a highly explosive device under Heydrich's car, and then detonates it remotely, causing significant damage to the vehicle. However, an additional bullet ricochets off the car and grazes Heydrich's arm, while Heydrich, himself, is unharmed. Realizing that Heydrich is actually in an ambulance and has received medical attention, Gabčík is forced into an impromptu operation when he takes out the driver of the ambulance, while Kubiš also kills an armed passenger attempting to intervene as Heydrich is rushed into hiding for medical treatment. The failed assassination sparks widespread reprisal, and Hitler himself vows to eradicate the Czech resistance. A massive manhunt is launched, with thousands of soldiers, police, and collaborators being deployed to track down Gabčík and Kubiš. As the Nazis descend upon Prague, the team is forced to go underground, taking refuge in an abandoned cathedral. As the stakes grow higher, Gabčík and Kubiš engage in a cat-and-mouse game with their pursuers. They are surrounded and outnumbered, but they refuse to surrender. With the cathedral under siege, the group fights bravely, but ultimately, they are no match for the overwhelming force. The events of 'Anthropoid' are a testament to bravery, loyalty, and the human spirit. Despite being drastically outnumbered, the Czech resistance puts up an incredible fight against the Nazi occupation. The story of Gabčík and Kubiš is a powerful tribute to the many unsung heroes who fought for freedom during World War II. Although 'Anthropoid' takes a tragic turn, it stands as a beacon of hope and courage in the face of overwhelming oppression.