The 2016 war film Anthropoid, featuring Irish actor Cillian Murphy, is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the UK. This Cillian Murphy war movie Anthropoid tells the compelling true story of two Czech resistance soldiers who carried out a secret mission to assassinate a top Nazi officer during World War II.
The True Story Behind Anthropoid
Anthropoid chronicles the 1942 operation where Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš, played by Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, parachuted into Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. Their mission was to eliminate Reinhard Heydrich, a senior SS officer notorious for his role in orchestrating the Holocaust and feared as
“the man with the iron heart”
by Adolf Hitler himself. The film’s title reflects the code name of this historic and daring operation aimed at one of the most sinister figures of the Nazi regime.
The supporting cast includes Charlotte Le Bon, Harry Lloyd from Game of Thrones, and Toby Jones, under the direction of Sean Ellis. Produced on a modest budget of $9 million (£6.6 million), Anthropoid has earned respect for its authentic portrayal of this momentous event.
Cillian Murphy’s Career and the Film’s Growing Recognition
Since Anthropoid’s release, Cillian Murphy’s career has flourished, notably with his Oscar-winning performance in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Despite this, Anthropoid continues to attract appreciation for its intense storytelling and strong performances, maintaining a loyal fan base nearly a decade after its debut.
Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, the film boasts a 4.5-star rating from viewers. Kira H, a fan on Rotten Tomatoes, praised the movie’s ahead-of-its-time qualities, including its pacing, cinematography, and acting:
“This movie was insanely ahead of its time, from the pacing, to the cinematography, to the acting, to the production value itself,”
she said.
“This movie is a hidden gem, and one of Cillian Murphy’s best films. I am in awe.”
Another viewer, Matt S., called Anthropoid
“the most underrated World War II movie of all time,”
applauding the filmmakers for spotlighting a lesser-known but remarkable story.
“Amazing action and amazing drama; great movie!”
he added. Many fans also expressed gratitude for the film shining light on a piece of history they had not previously encountered.
Audience and Critical Reception
In addition to fan admiration, Anthropoid has been praised for including Czech and Slovak actors, which resonated with audiences from those regions. One Slovak viewer shared,
“As a Slovak person, I am deeply touched by the performance of all actors. I’d also like to note that the production included Czech actors to star in the film about Czechoslovakia. I find it a sign of respect.”
This sentiment underscores the movie’s attention to historical and cultural accuracy.
Critical reviews have been generally favorable, with the film holding a 67% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 105 reviews. The Seattle Times described it as “a gripping picture,” while The Washington Post awarded a full score, highlighting the film’s exploration of characters wrestling with the justification of sacrifice during wartime:
“War movies all too often take it for granted that some causes are worth dying for. To have characters grapple with that notion, imperfectly, is nothing short of cathartic.”
However, some critics expressed reservations. The Scotsman suggested the movie “doesn’t really do it justice,” and Rolling Stone labeled it “an opportunity missed,” critiquing the film for reducing a complex historical event to “moral muddle and monotonous filmmaking.” Despite mixed critical opinions, the dialogue around Anthropoid reflects a continued interest in its subject matter.
Industry Praise and Cultural Impact
Publications like Empire Magazine commended the film for its compelling and moving depiction of a largely forgotten episode in European history, and The Telegraph noted that it
“does every justice to the bravery of two men who undoubtedly altered the course of the Second World War.”
These assessments reinforce the film’s importance in preserving and honoring wartime stories that often go untold.
Anthropoid’s availability on Amazon Prime Video introduces it to a new generation of viewers, some discovering it for the first time. Fans have called it
“possibly the best World War II film ever”
and praised its ability to fully engross the audience. This growing appreciation highlights the film’s relevance and the enduring fascination with wartime heroism.
Upcoming Projects for the Lead Actors
Cillian Murphy has recently appeared in Taylor Swift’s music video for “Opalite” and is slated to return to screens as Tommy Shelby in the much-anticipated Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man. Jamie Dornan, meanwhile, was featured in Kenneth Branagh’s 2023 Agatha Christie adaptation A Haunting in Venice and is preparing for Michael Cera’s directorial debut, Love Is Not the Answer, alongside Pamela Anderson and Steve Coogan.
With Anthropoid streaming now, audiences have the opportunity to experience this unique Cillian Murphy war movie Anthropoid and witness a gripping portrayal of courage and sacrifice during World War II.
Anthropoid is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video in the UK for subscribers.
