Cillian Murphy's Critically Acclaimed War Film 'Anthropoid' Arrives on Amazon Prime Video
The powerful 2016 war drama Anthropoid, featuring acclaimed Irish actors Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, has become available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the United Kingdom. This compelling film, which many viewers consider one of the most underrated World War II movies ever made, tells the daring true story of Czech resistance fighters during the Nazi occupation.
The True Story Behind the Film
Anthropoid recounts the remarkable real-life Operation Anthropoid from 1942, in which two Czechoslovak soldiers parachuted into their occupied homeland with a mission to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, one of the principal architects of the Holocaust and a senior SS officer whom Hitler famously called 'the man with the iron heart.' Murphy portrays resistance fighter Jozef Gabčík, while Dornan plays his comrade Jan Kubiš in this gripping historical drama.
Production Details and Cast
Directed by Sean Ellis, the independent film was produced on a modest budget of just $9 million (£6.6 million). The impressive cast also includes Charlotte Le Bon, Harry Lloyd from Game of Thrones, and veteran actor Toby Jones. Despite its relatively small budget, the film has been praised for its exceptional production values and authentic portrayal of this crucial historical event.
Critical and Audience Reception
While critics gave the film generally positive reviews with a 67% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 105 reviews, audiences have been particularly enthusiastic about Anthropoid. The film currently holds a 71% audience rating on the platform and has earned a four-and-a-half star rating on Amazon Prime Video.
The Seattle Times described the film as 'a gripping picture,' while Empire Magazine praised it as 'a compelling and moving interpretation of a largely forgotten moment in European history.' The Telegraph noted that the film 'does every justice to the bravery of two men who undoubtedly altered the course of the Second World War.'
Fan Reactions and Praise
Viewers have been particularly vocal about their appreciation for the film, with many calling it a 'hidden gem' and 'one of Cillian Murphy's best films.' One enthusiastic fan on Rotten Tomatoes wrote: 'This movie was insanely ahead of its time, from the pacing, to the cinematography, to the acting, to the production value itself.'
Another viewer commented: 'This has to be the most underrated World War II movies of all time. There are so many unknown amazing stories from the war and I'm glad that the creators decided to shed light on this one.' Many fans have expressed gratitude that the film illuminates a piece of history they previously knew nothing about.
Historical Significance and Cultural Impact
The film has been particularly meaningful for viewers with Czech and Slovak heritage. One fan noted: '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 attention to authenticity and cultural sensitivity has contributed to the film's lasting impact, even as Murphy has gone on to win an Academy Award for his performance in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, another highly regarded WWII-related film.
Where to Watch and What's Next for the Stars
Anthropoid is now streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video for UK subscribers. Meanwhile, Cillian Murphy, who recently appeared in Taylor Swift's music video for 'Opalite,' is preparing for his much-anticipated return as Tommy Shelby in the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie The Immortal Man.
Jamie Dornan, who last appeared in Kenneth Branagh's 2023 film A Haunting in Venice, will next be seen in Michael Cera's directorial debut Love Is Not the Answer, alongside Pamela Anderson and Steve Coogan.
For those interested in powerful historical dramas and exceptional performances from some of today's most talented actors, Anthropoid represents a must-watch addition to Amazon Prime Video's streaming library.
