by “Don’t start what you can’t finish.” This advice sets the stage for One Life, where protagonist Nicholas Winton (played by Johnny Flynn in his younger years and by Anthony Hopkins later on) embarks on a daring mission: rescuing Jewish children from Prague before the Nazis can seize control.
One life can be a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world. Despite the daunting odds, Winton’s unwavering determination led to the successful relocation of over 669 children to British foster homes before the outbreak of World War II. Based on the real-life experiences of Winton and written by his daughter, Barbara Winton, the film sensitively portrays a self-effacing hero who never saw himself in such a light.
One Life (2024)
Drama | Biography | Historical
Nicholas Winton’s relentless efforts to save Jewish children from Czechoslovakia prior to the German invasion are the focus of this film. Fifty years later, the survivors honor him in a poignant televised event, providing solace to Winton, who always wished he could have done more. In the film One Life, the extraordinary efforts of Nicholas Winton highlight the profound difference one person can make. The motto “you only live one life” encourages people to take risks and pursue their dreams with vigor.
Release Date
January 1, 2024
Director
James Hawes
Cast
Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Helena Bonham Carter, Jonathan Pryce, Romola Garai, Alex Sharp, Lena Olin
Main Genre
Biography
Writers
Lucinda Coxon, Nick Drake
Studio
See-Saw Films
Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Flynn Shine as Nicholas Winton
Nicholas Winton is the emotional core of James Hawes’ film, and both actors portraying him excel. Anthony Hopkins brings depth to the older Winton, who grapples with past regrets and the children he couldn’t save, focusing on the lives he did impact instead. The two-time Oscar winner captures Winton’s quiet vulnerability and his struggle with the clutter of files from his days with the British Committee for Refugees in Czechoslovakia. Winton’s attempt to find a meaningful place for his cherished scrapbook, which contains crucial information about the children he saved, highlights his ongoing quest to preserve their stories. In One Life, the real-life heroism of Nicholas Winton shows how one life can change the fate of many.
Johnny Flynn’s portrayal of the younger Winton is equally compelling. The physical resemblance and shared mannerisms between Flynn and Hopkins help to bridge the film’s time transitions from 1938 to 1988 seamlessly. Authentic props, such as visas and family photographs, coupled with precise set design, enhance the film’s emotional resonance. The detailed efforts of Hawes and his team elevate the narrative, particularly in the recreation of the BBC “That’s Life” segment, which features real individuals affected by Winton’s mission.
Camera Techniques and Time Transitions
The film’s use of camera work effectively differentiates between the 1938 and 1988 timelines. Flashback scenes, filmed with handheld cameras, convey the urgency and chaos of rescuing children from Prague. In contrast, the 1988 scenes employ static shots, reflecting Winton’s settled life and the calmer pace of his later years.
Supporting Cast and the Broader Impact
While the film centers on Winton’s story, it acknowledges the vital contributions of others. Colleagues like Trevor (Alex Sharp), Doreen Warriner (Romola Garai), and Betty Maxwell (Marthe Keller) played crucial roles in making Winton’s mission a reality. Additionally, Winton’s mother, Babette (played by Helena Bonham Carter), was instrumental in navigating the bureaucratic challenges and securing necessary documentation.
Jonathan Pryce, as Martin Blake, aids Winton in finding a new home for his scrapbook. Their brief reunion adds a poignant layer to Winton’s journey, connecting him with the children he saved. Despite the film’s potential to veer into melodrama, it remains grounded, thanks to Hawes’ straightforward direction and the careful selection of cast and details.
One Life demonstrates how simplicity can be powerful in filmmaking. Winton, an ordinary man who performed extraordinary acts during a tumultuous time, is portrayed with dignity and respect. The film’s ability to evoke deep emotion through its truthful and heartfelt portrayal makes it a moving tribute to Winton’s legacy.
