The assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, one of the main architects of the Holocaust and a leading figure of the Nazi Party, is a captivating event in the annals of World War II. Heydrich, often referred to as “the Butcher of Prague,” was the acting Reichsprotektor of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. The operation to assassinate him, codenamed Operation Anthropoid, was carried out by Czechoslovak resistance fighters in Prague in 1942. His death led to brutal reprisals by the Nazis, including the destruction of villages and the murder of thousands of civilians. This daring and consequential act of resistance has been the subject of various films, capturing the intrigue, bravery, and the stark consequences of the operation.
“Anthropoid”, 2016
Director: Sean Ellis
Starring Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, this film offers a tense and gripping portrayal of Operation Anthropoid, emphasizing the personal stories of the soldiers, their relationships, and the immense pressure they faced as they planned and executed the mission to assassinate Heydrich.
Starring: Jamie Dornan, Cillian Murphy, Charlotte Le Bon, Anna Geislerová, Harry Lloyd, Toby Jones, Alena Mihulová, Marcin Dorocinski, Bill Milner, Jirí Simek;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, melodrama, war, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“HHhH”, 2017
Director: Cédric Jimenez
Also known as “The Man with the Iron Heart” in some markets, this film takes a slightly broader approach by including perspectives from not only the resistance fighters but also from Heydrich and his family. This dual narrative approach provides a more comprehensive view of the events leading to the assassination and its aftermath.
Starring: Jason Clarke, Rosamund Pike, Jack O'Connell, Jack Reynor, Mia Wasikowska, Stephen Graham, Thomas M. Wright, Barry Atsma, Geoff Bell, Enzo Cilenti;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: action, thriller, war, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “HHhH” on the website imdb.com
“The Silent Village”, 1943
Director: Humphrey Jennings
While not directly about the assassination, this British propaganda film is inspired by the Nazi reprisals following Heydrich's death, particularly the destruction of the Czech village of Lidice. It's a poignant reminder of the cruel consequences faced by innocent civilians in the wake of the operation.
Starring: Villagers of Cwmgiedd;
Production year: 1943;
Genre: documentary, short film, drama, war;
Duration: 36 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “The Silent Village” on the website imdb.com
These films, through their various interpretations and narrative focuses, provide a multifaceted look at one of World War II's most daring and controversial operations. They highlight the courage, the moral ambiguities, and the devastating repercussions of the fight against tyranny.
The cinematic exploration of the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich offers a gripping journey through one of the darkest yet most heroic episodes of World War II. Films that delve into this historical event, such as “Anthropoid” and “Operation Daybreak,” not only succeed in capturing the palpable tension and the moral complexities of the era but also pay homage to the resilience and courage of those who took a stand against tyranny. They serve as poignant reminders of the price of freedom and the human spirit's capacity for resistance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Through meticulous attention to historical detail and compelling character-driven narratives, these films achieve a balance between education and entertainment, leaving the audience both informed and deeply moved by the sacrifices made by a few brave souls who dared to challenge one of the Third Reich's most formidable architects. The exploration of the Heydrich assassination through film ensures that the legacy of these resistance fighters continues to inspire courage and hope in the fight against oppression, making these stories invaluable to both history and cinema.
