LONDON — In the late 1930s, Nicholas Winton, a young British stockbroker, visited Czechoslovakia and witnessed the humanitarian crisis faced by the exiled Jewish community. Shocked by what he saw, Winton, with the help of his mother Babette, orchestrated the rescue of 669 children, earning him the nickname “the British Schindler.”
The film “One Life,” directed by James Hawes, tells the story of Winton’s heroic actions. The movie highlights Britain’s present-day reluctance to offer shelter to those in need, prompting reflection on the country’s stance on immigration. Winton, who was later knighted for his bravery, deserves recognition for his remarkable achievements.
However, while Winton’s story is stirring, the film lacks originality. It treads familiar ground already explored in outstanding World War II films such as “Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport” and “Schindler’s List.” The competition for top-tier war movies is fierce, and “One Life” fails to stand out.
The movie switches between two key periods in Winton’s life. The first, set in the late 1930s, portrays him as an idealistic young man who travels to Prague and meets Doreen Warriner, a British economist turned humanitarian. Warriner is a key member of the British Committee for Refugees from Czechoslovakia and plays a crucial role in organizing the covert movement of Jewish refugees. Romola Garai delivers a terrific performance as Warriner, leaving the audience wanting more.
In the later section set in the 1980s, an older Winton, played by Anthony Hopkins, begins to sort through a lifetime’s worth of box files filled with his charitable endeavors. The film captures the significance of Winton’s work as his story gains media attention thanks to Elisabeth Maxwell, wife of newspaper magnate Robert Maxwell.
Director James Hawes takes a distinct visual approach for each period, emphasizing the urgency and foreboding during the 1930s and the warmth and contemplation in the 1980s. Despite differing physical appearances, Johnny Flynn and Anthony Hopkins effectively portray the character of Winton through mannerisms and vocal quirks.
While both actors deliver excellent performances, Flynn shines in the more exciting section of the film. Hopkins, on the other hand, delivers a low-key performance that gradually grows in intensity, particularly in the scenes set in the “That’s Life!” television studio.
In conclusion, “One Life” pays tribute to the heroic acts of Nicholas Winton, the British stockbroker who saved the lives of 669 children during the Holocaust. However, the film fails to differentiate itself from other war movies and falls short of top-tier status. Despite its shortcomings, the movie serves as a reminder of the lasting impact one individual can have in the midst of a crisis.
(Note: The information in this article is sourced from various reports and does not mention any specific news organizations.)