Operation: Daybreak

Operation: Daybreak

Year: 1975

Runtime: 118 mins

Language: English

Director: Lewis Gilbert

ActionWar

In occupied Czechoslovakia in 1942, three courageous Czech patriots launch a daring hit-and-run mission to eliminate the ruthless SS-General Reinhard Heydrich. Their audacious raid seeks to free their nation from the Nazi tyrant's grip, risking everything in a swift, lethal strike.

Operation: Daybreak (1975) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Operation: Daybreak (1975) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the winter‑gray streets of 1942 occupied Czechoslovakia, the weight of oppression hangs heavy over every courtyard and market square. The city‑state, smothered under the iron fist of the Nazi regime, buzzes with whispered fear and the flicker of hidden resistance. Shadows move through crumbling facades, and the oppressive silence is broken only by the distant rumble of armored patrols, creating a world where hope is a dangerous whisper and bravery must be cloaked in secrecy.

At the heart of that hidden world stand three young patriots bound by a shared oath to free their homeland. Jan Kubiš and Jozef Gabčík have been hand‑picked by the seasoned Czech intelligence officer General František Moravec, a man whose quiet determination has become a beacon for underground activity. Alongside them is Karel Čurda, a reluctant yet steadfast participant who, despite personal doubts, is drawn into the mission by loyalty to his friends and country. Their bond is forged in the crucible of clandestine training abroad, where they learned not only the art of sabotage but also the weight of sacrifice required to strike against a vastly superior foe. The trio’s interactions pulse with a mix of nervous humor, solemn resolve, and an unspoken understanding that every step they take could echo forever in the annals of Czech resistance.

Together, they devise a daring hit‑and‑run operation aimed at the ruthless SS‑General Reinhard Heydrich, whose presence looms as a symbol of the occupier’s brutal authority. The plan, whispered in cramped safe houses and rehearsed under the cover of night, promises a flash of daring that could ignite a spark of defiance across the nation. The film’s tone balances stark wartime realism with the tense, almost cinematic choreography of a covert mission, inviting viewers to feel the electric mix of fear and hope that drives these ordinary men toward an extraordinary act.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 18:13

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Desperate resistance and assassination movies like Operation: Daybreak

High-stakes stories of clandestine operations and patriotic sacrifice under oppressive regimes.If you liked the tense, high-stakes operation in Operation: Daybreak, this list features movies with similar desperate resistance missions and assassination plots. These stories capture the anxiety of working under an oppressive regime, the precision of planning, and the heavy cost of defiance.

tensedesperateoppressivegrippingpatrioticclandestinehigh-stakesanxious

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a linear, mission-oriented structure: recruitment and planning, initial attempts often fraught with unexpected failure, a final decisive act, and a consequential aftermath. The focus is on the practical and emotional toll of the operation, rather than complex political maneuvering.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a singular, high-risk objective against overwhelming odds. They create a gripping, anxious mood through life-or-death stakes, an oppressive setting, and a tone that balances patriotic duty with the bleak reality of sacrifice.

Bleak and tragic historical thrillers similar to Operation: Daybreak

Gripping stories based on true events that build towards an inescapably tragic conclusion.For viewers seeking the grim historical realism and tragic ending of Operation: Daybreak, this collection features similarly bleak historical thrillers. These movies are gripping and tense but are defined by their sobering conclusions and heavy emotional weight, often based on true stories of sacrifice.

bleaktragicgrippingtensesomberhistoricaldevastatingsobering

Narrative Summary

The narrative journey is one of rising action and suspense that culminates not in victory, but in tragedy. The forward momentum makes the inevitable downfall more impactful, serving as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of history. The story's power comes from its unflinching commitment to a bleak truth.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their combination of a thrilling, steady-paced narrative with a profoundly bleak and historically grounded conclusion. They share a heavy emotional weight, a tense and oppressive atmosphere, and a focus on sacrifice, making the viewing experience both gripping and emotionally devastating.

Unlock the Full Story of Operation: Daybreak

Don't stop at just watching — explore Operation: Daybreak in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Operation: Daybreak is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Operation: Daybreak Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Operation: Daybreak, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Operation: Daybreak Summary

Operation: Daybreak Timeline

Track the full timeline of Operation: Daybreak with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Operation: Daybreak Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Operation: Daybreak

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Operation: Daybreak. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Operation: Daybreak

More About Operation: Daybreak

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Operation: Daybreak: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Operation: Daybreak