Underrated WWII Thriller ‘Anthropoid’ Now Free to Stream, Praised by Audiences
For film buffs looking for a compelling historical drama, a critically acclaimed war film, lauded as “one of the most underrated of all time,” is now available to stream without charge. “Anthropoid,” a gripping account of a pivotal World War II operation, has captured the attention of viewers, earning a stellar 4.5-star rating on review aggregators.
The film plunges viewers into the heart of the Second World War, focusing on the daring assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, a notorious high-ranking SS official. Heydrich, a key architect of the Holocaust, was infamously described by Adolf Hitler as “the man with the iron heart.” The film meticulously chronicles Operation Anthropoid, the audacious mission undertaken by exiled Czechoslovak soldiers Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš to eliminate this brutal Nazi leader.
The lead roles are brought to life by a talented cast, with Cillian Murphy portraying Jozef Gabčík and Jamie Dornan stepping into the shoes of Jan Kubiš. Their performances have been widely praised for their authenticity and emotional depth, drawing audiences into the perilous world of resistance fighters.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience reception for “Anthropoid” has been overwhelmingly positive. One viewer passionately declared, “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. Amazing action and amazing drama; great movie!” This sentiment is echoed by many, with another reviewer highlighting the film’s forward-thinking qualities: “This movie was insanely ahead of its time, from the pacing, to the cinematography, to the acting, to the production value itself.”
The film is frequently described as a “hidden gem,” with many singling out Cillian Murphy’s performance. “This movie is a hidden gem, and one of Cillian Murphy’s best films. I am in awe,” wrote one fan. A particularly touching review from a Slovak individual underscored the film’s impact: “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.”
While audiences have embraced “Anthropoid” wholeheartedly, critical opinions have been more divided. The Washington Post offered a nuanced perspective, noting, “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.” Conversely, Rolling Stone provided a more critical assessment, stating, “Anthropoid reduces a riveting and resonant piece of WW2 history to moral muddle and monotonous filmmaking,” suggesting it was an “opportunity missed.”
The supporting cast of “Anthropoid” is equally impressive, featuring acclaimed actors such as Toby Jones, Harry Lloyd, Charlotte Le Bon, and Anna Geislerová, who contribute significantly to the film’s rich tapestry.
Another Historical Gem: ‘Mrs Brown’ Free to Stream
In related news for fans of historical dramas, a “magnificent” period piece, hailed as “the best [fans] have seen in a long time,” is also currently available to stream for free. “Mrs Brown” (1997), starring the incomparable Dame Judi Dench and the legendary Sir Billy Connelly, delves into one of history’s most surprising and poignant love stories.
The film centres on the profound bond that develops between Queen Victoria and her loyal servant, Mr. John Brown, following the tragic death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert, in 1861. As Queen Victoria descends into deep mourning, she finds solace and companionship in John Brown, a relationship that, while deeply meaningful to her, also stirs scandal and turmoil within the rigid confines of the British monarchy.
“Mrs Brown” boasts an impressive 7.2 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a commendable 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes praises the film for its “top-notch acting, the chemistry between its stars, and a witty, thoughtful script,” delivering a “nuanced and entertaining, if not entirely factual, account of a seldom explored historical relationship.”
Audience reviews further illuminate the film’s enduring appeal. One IMDb user, awarding the film a perfect 10, described it as “a sprightly, entertaining and engrossing study of a moment in the life of enigmatic Queen Victoria.” They went on to highlight the on-screen chemistry: “Dench and Connolly play so well off each other that their relationship has a wealth of charm, tenderness, bite, wit, and solidity.”
Another reviewer, who rated “Mrs Brown” a 9 out of 10, lauded it as “a love story with a difference.” They elaborated on the multifaceted nature of the relationship depicted: “It is the story of a servant’s love for his queen; it is the story of a woman’s love for the man who has given her life meaning; it is a story of two best friends, who ignore social circumstances and care deeply for one another. The story is nearly flawless, combining the historical situation and circumstances with intense and riveting emotion.”
