During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, surgeon Dr. Franticek Svoboda, a Czech patriot, assassinates the brutal "Hangman of Europe", Reichsprotektor Reinhard Heydrich, and is wounded in the process. In his attempt to escape, he is helped by history professor Stephen Novotny and his daughter Mascha.
Nominated for 2 Oscars. 1 win & 3 nominations total
Top Critics Reviews
fresh:
From a directorial standpoint this is a triumph for Fritz Lang, who succeeds with singular success in capturing the spirit of the Czech people in the face of the Nazi reign of terror.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
25 Feb 2013
rotten:
For all of Mr. Lang's finesse, his film is too patient -- it runs well over two hours -- too ponderous to hit its stride as melodrama. Nor does it match in emotional power and conviction its heroic theme.
– Theodore Strauss,
New York Times,
25 Feb 2013
fresh:
The two-and-a-quarter-hour film has the iconic thrust of a silent; the pro-sacrifice resistance cant has an oddly jihadist tenor today.
– Michael Atkinson,
Village Voice,
25 Feb 2013
fresh:
Superb performances throughout, while James Wong Howe's photography perfectly captures the spirit of the occupied city, where hiding places are few and far from safe.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
9 Feb 2006
rotten:
Although Director Fritz Lang gives this familiar material occasional touches of distinction, the picture still misses Grade A rank.