Anthropoid

Anthropoid

Year: 2016

Runtime: 120 min

Language: English

Director: Sean Ellis

BiographyHistoryThrillerWar

During World War II, two Slovakian soldiers, Josef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš, are sent on a dangerous mission into Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. Their objective is to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking Nazi official responsible for the implementation of the Final Solution. After being parachuted into enemy territory in 1941, they face immense challenges, working with limited information and resources while attempting to evade and outmaneuver the formidable Nazi forces protecting Heydrich. The success or failure of their actions would have far-reaching consequences for Europe.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Anthropoid (2016)

Trace every key event in Anthropoid (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Munich Conference

In September 1938, the Munich Conference convenes where Adolf Hitler demands the territory of Czechoslovakia. The leaders of France, Italy, and Great Britain face a crucial decision while Czechoslovakia, with no allies, is forced to disband its military, leading to its inevitable occupation.

September 1938 Munich
2

Occupation of Czechoslovakia

Following the disbandment of its military, Czechoslovakia is swiftly occupied by German forces without a single shot fired. The country becomes a crucial part of the German war effort as its factories are exploited to support Hitler's ambition.

Czechoslovakia
3

Invasion of Poland

By 1940, Hitler's forces invade Poland, escalating tensions and the horrors of World War II. Czechoslovakia, under Nazi occupation, becomes further entrenched in this chaotic environment, resulting in rising resistance against the oppressors.

1940 Poland
4

Rise of Reinhard Heydrich

In this tumultuous time, Reinhard Heydrich, known as the Butcher of Prague, is dispatched by Hitler to eliminate resistance and restore order in Czechoslovakia. His brutal tactics deepen the fear among the occupied citizens and intensify resistance efforts.

Czechoslovakia
5

Agents Parachute into Occupied Territory

In December 1941, the Czechoslovak government-in-exile sends agents Jozef Gabcik and Jan Kubis back into their homeland via parachute. Their landing is perilous as Jozef suffers an injury when he crashes but both remain resolute to connect with local resistance fighters.

December 1941 Czechoslovakia
6

Betrayal in the Resistance

Upon reaching out to resistance fighters, Jozef and Jan encounter two traitors instead. In a chaotic confrontation, they manage to shoot one traitor, while the other escapes, highlighting the precarious nature of their mission and the threats of betrayal.

7

Meeting Dr. Eduard

After their tumultuous encounter, the agents are aided by Dr. Eduard, who treats Jozef's injuries. With his help, they establish contact with the local resistance organized by Jan Zelenka-Hajsky and Ladislav Vanek, focusing on planning their mission against Heydrich.

8

Planning Operation Anthropoid

The two agents lay out their intention to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich as part of their mission, Operation Anthropoid. Despite skepticism about the operation's feasibility, support from Hajsky emerges, emphasizing the importance of resistance against Nazi tyranny.

9

Finding Refuge

After the meeting, the agents find shelter with the Moravec family. This temporary refuge becomes crucial as they develop their strategy, gathering intelligence on Heydrich's movements, preparing for the dangerous mission ahead.

10

Constructing Their Plan

With the aid of local women, Marie and Lenka, the agents devise a strategy to ambush Heydrich. They recognize that the best chance to succeed lies in attacking him while he travels between his residence and office, marking a critical juncture in their operation.

Prague
11

Heydrich's Visit to Paris

When news breaks that Heydrich is to visit Paris, the operation takes a decisive turn, bolstered by the arrival of additional agents. The timing creates urgency, marking the moment where their plans for assassination gain momentum.

Paris
12

The Assassination Attempt

On May 27, 1942, the agents execute their plan, but the mission nearly falters when Jozef's weapon jams. In a chaotic moment, Jan detonates a bomb that severely wounds Heydrich, allowing Jozef to shoot him, marking a significant moment in their resistance efforts.

May 27, 1942 Prague
13

Nazi Retaliation

Following the successful assassination, Nazi forces retaliate against the Czech population, leading to mass arrests and a violent crackdown. The consequences of the assassination reach far and wide, signaling the start of harsh reprisals against the resistance.

14

The Last Stand

As the Nazis close in on the agents, they take refuge in the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The agents fight bravely against overwhelming odds, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion where many turn to suicide to evade capture.

Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius
15

Aftermath of Heydrich's Death

The aftermath of Heydrich's assassination brings devastation as the Nazis target resistance supporters, resulting in the deaths of over 15,000 Czechs. This period, known as the Heydrich Terror, serves as a grim reminder of the cost of resistance during World War II.

Czechoslovakia

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 14:42

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