In 1987, we find an elderly gentleman, Nicholas Winton (Anthony Hopkins), living a quiet life in Maidenhead, near London, with his wife, Greta (Lena Olin). They are on the cusp of becoming grandparents, with their daughter Barbara (Ffion Jolly) and her new baby planning frequent visits to their spacious home. Mr. Winton’s study, and even his shed, are overflowing with stacks of documents that desperately need sorting. As he sifts through these papers, the pensioner’s mind drifts back to the events of 1938. With the support of colleagues from the British Embassy, a younger Nicholas (Johnny Flynn) hastily orchestrates an unprecedented operation to rescue children from Prague. With Hitler’s troops already in Czechoslovakia, war seems inevitable.
Anthony Hopkins as Nicholas Winton in a still from “One Life”
A Story Worth Telling
Just when you think everything has been said and written about World War II, a film emerges with either a striking directorial vision or a drama based on real events that, for some reason, have remained in the shadows. “One Life” is based on the book “If It’s Not Impossible: The Life of Sir Nicholas Winton” by Barbara Winton, the daughter of the main character in both the literary work and the film adaptation. James Hawes, previously known for his television work, directs the film. His credits include episodes of “Snowpiercer,” “Slow Horses,” “The Alienist,” and “Black Mirror.” The drama premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year.
Two Timelines, One Hero
The film unfolds in two timelines, each with its own rhythm. In 1938, Nicholas Winton, a young broker with a kind heart, travels to Prague for a week to help refugees from the Sudetenland, which has already fallen under Hitler’s control. The Briton is appalled by the dire conditions in the temporary camp where families who have lost their homes are living. Nicholas is particularly concerned about the fate of the children, who are likely to die in the cold winter. Winton immediately calls his mother (Helena Bonham Carter) in London to find out what documents are needed for boys and girls from Czechoslovakia to come to the UK, and he sets about collecting all the necessary papers. A campaign begins to find foster families and raise money for the move. Over several months of hard work, 669 children were saved, but Winton regretted all his life that he could have done more, but on September 1, 1939, with the outbreak of war, the borders were closed, and the remaining refugees were sent to concentration camps. In 1987, the British pensioner leisurely sorts through the house, rummages through old documents, and looks for a newspaper to publish Nicholas’s unique archive. Mr. Winton does not consider himself a hero, does not seek fame, but simply wants the story of almost 50 years ago to serve as a lesson for future generations.
Johnny Flynn in a still from “One Life”
The pace of the narrative in the two timelines reflects the age of the main character. In 1938, a near-spy thriller unfolds, as the lists of children could fall into the hands of the Nazis, and the boys and girls must somehow be smuggled across the border. Every time, the hearts of both the audience and the British activists skip a beat when documents are checked on the train. There is no doubt that the lives of children are at stake. In 1987, we see a slow-paced, sentimental, nostalgic drama about an elderly gentleman who suddenly becomes the pride of the country. Mr. Winton goes on the BBC show “That’s Life!” and meets the grown-up boys and girls whom the Briton saved before World War II. It is impossible to hold back tears at this moment.
A Touching, Yet Standard Biopic
“One Life” is a fairly standard biopic that doesn’t try to reinvent the genre, although the combination of Mr. Winton’s youth and old age is elegant. The creators have enough tact and sensitivity to tell an incredible uplifting story and not let the audience feel that they are being manipulated, an unsophisticated attempt to squeeze tears. There are no pompous speeches, loud tragic music, or shocking shots in the film, but there are enough worthy people who simply thought that by saving other people’s lives, they were doing the right thing.
Often, films based on real events turn into a boring retelling with a foregone conclusion. “One Life” is distinguished by both dynamics and outstanding acting performances. Anthony Hopkins makes you laugh with a couple of funny phrases and grimaces. The swaying, but dignified, gait of the elderly gentleman deserves special mention. In the flashbacks, the energetic Johnny Flynn shines, and the strict but ironic Helena Bonham Carter helps. And there are enough familiar faces in the supporting roles. For example, Jonathan Pryce appears on the screen for literally a couple of minutes.
Final Thoughts
“One Life” is one of those rare audience films that artistic frills would have harmed. The story told on the screen is so amazing and touching that nothing extra is needed. Dramas about selfless kindness, courage, and the desire to help others are never superfluous, and especially in difficult times. Nicholas Winton, and with him “One Life,” reminds us that there can be real superheroes nearby, whose only superpower is the inability to pass by someone else’s trouble.