The serene life of 79-year-old Nicholas Winton, portrayed by the venerable Anthony Hopkins, takes center stage in “One Life,” a moving recount of unexpected heroism and selfless courage. As Nicholas relishes his tranquil existence alongside his wife, Grete, played by Lena Olin, the anticipation of becoming a grandfather adds a gentle excitement to their routine. However, Grete’s request for Nicholas to declutter their home and his study opens the doors to a past filled with poignant memories and quiet bravery.
The film artfully shuttles us back to 1938, introducing a younger Nicholas Winton, energetically brought to life by Johnny Flynn. In Prague, Nicholas visits his friend, Martin Blake, portrayed by Ziggy Heath, and finds himself face to face with the dire conditions endured by families fleeing the horrors of Nazi Germany and Austria. The narrative drives home the atmosphere of desperation and the semblance of hope that still glimmers in the eyes of the children caught in this maelstrom.
Nicholas encounters Doreen Warriner, played by Romola Garai, who oversees the Prague office of the British Committee for Refugees from Czechoslovakia (BCRC). Empathetically struck by the stark reality faced by these innocent lives, he resolves to spearhead an operation that promises sanctuary in England—a beacon of safety far from the tightening grip of the Third Reich.
“One Life” delves into the intricate and sometimes exasperating bureaucratic landscape that Nicholas has to navigate to bring his daring plan to fruition. Each child’s passage to England comes with a hefty price tag—a £50 guarantee. The challenge is formidable, yet Nicholas finds stout-hearted support in London from his indomitable mother, Babi, conveyed with strength by Helena Bonham Carter, and assistance in Prague from Doreen Warriner as well as Trevor Chadwick, played by Alex Sharp.
As German forces encroach upon Czechoslovakia, the story evolves into a harrowing race against the clock, as Nicholas endeavors to shepherd as many children as possible to safety before the borders seal shut. The stark reality of his mission is underscored by the lingering specter of guilt, magnified when one of his trains, ferrying 250 children, is intercepted on the very day World War II begins, leading to their tragic internment.
Within the quietude of the present day, Nicholas Winton, once again embodied by Hopkins, sifts through the scrapbook of his extraordinary deeds. Clutched in a satchel given to him by Trevor, this treasured chronicle stands as a testament to his efforts. However, its fate falls into uncertainty as a meeting with a local newspaper editor bears little interest. In a fortuitous twist, his old friend Martin, now played by Jonathan Pryce, offers a gleam of hope.
The emotional crescendo of the film unfurls during the involvement with the BBC’s “That’s Life!” programme, unfurling a well-guarded secret that captures the essence of human interconnectedness.
“One Life,” inspired by Barbara Winton’s book about her father, titled “If It’s Not Impossible…The Life of Sir Nicholas Winton,” is an emotive narrative crafted with meticulous production design and underscored by powerful performances. Anthony Hopkins’ embodiment of Nicholas Winton is nothing short of mesmerizing, anchoring a film that pays homage to an unassuming hero who faced unfathomable challenges with unwavering resolve.
This biographical drama transcends the conventional confines of its genre to deliver a cathartic experience that echoes through the corridors of history. It is an ode to decency, an acknowledgment of the extraordinary feats that can arise from ordinary individuals when confronted by the darkest of circumstances. Audiences are left with a compelling mixture of inspiration and reverence, one that often culminates in ovations for a man who was resolute in his mission to save the lives that others had decided were expendable.
The story of Nicholas Winton—the savior of the children of Czechoslovakia—is a poignant reminder of humanity’s capacity for good. “One Life” is screening in theaters, inviting viewers to witness the portrayal of a man whose quiet life belied the echoes of his monumental legacy.
