By this point, the remarkable tale of Sir Nicholas Winton and the 669 children he rescued from almost certain death at the hands of the Nazis on the brink of World War II in Europe has been extensively documented in literature, films, TV shows, including a feature on 60 Minutes, and various other mediums. While a sort of myth has been woven around this valiant figure, it is important to note that the complete truth may not be encapsulated in this narrative. Nonetheless, Nicky, as he was affectionately called, undeniably embodied the essence of a hero. For five decades, he kept his altruistic deed concealed until it was unearthed by a BBC program called That’s Life in the late 1980s, captivating audiences in England.
A recent cinematic production, One Life, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September and is now hitting theaters in North America this week. The film skillfully juxtaposes two distinct time frames – 1938, the period of the actual events, and 1988, when the world was enlightened about them. The narrative commences by introducing Winton (), then 79 years old, before delving into flashbacks that unveil the account of the young 29-year-old man (portrayed by ) who, while on vacation, stumbled upon the plight of Czechoslovakian refugees enduring dire circumstances as Hitler’s shadow loomed over the country, hinting at an impending war.
This unassuming individual resolved to take action, meticulously compiling the names of numerous children and directing his efforts towards transporting them to Prague. Referred to as ‘Nicky’s Children’, these youngsters were afforded the opportunity to board trains, arranged by their anxious parents, destined for England and foster homes, shielding them from harm and nurturing hopes of eventual family reunions. As the war erupted, the majority of those left behind, predominantly Jews, fell victim to the atrocities of the concentration camps, never to be heard from again. Winton, aided by a dedicated cohort of colleagues and his mother Babi (), orchestrated a miraculous operation, maneuvering through bureaucratic obstacles in his homeland to facilitate the transportation of these children on train after train. Regrettably, the eighth train scheduled to depart Prague, carrying another 250 children, never embarked on its journey as it coincided with the outbreak of war. The fate of these children, presumed to have perished in the concentration camps, haunted Winton for the remainder of his days (he lived to the age of 106, passing away in 2015).
In 1988, unbeknownst to Winton, he was enticed to a BBC TV studio where he was met by a gathering of the now elderly individuals who had been rescued by him but were oblivious to their savior due to his reticence. The emotional reunion that ensued, witnessed by the audience, evoked profound sentiments of gratitude and admiration. This poignant event catapulted Winton into a realm of instant fame he never sought, culminating in a knighthood bestowed by Queen Elizabeth.
Based on Winton’s daughter Barbara’s book, If It’s Not Impossible…The Life Of Sir Nicholas Winton, the screenplay, crafted by Lucinda Coxon and Nick Drake, is brought to life by first-time feature director James Hawes, renowned for his television work. Hawes adeptly narrates Winton’s saga with subtlety and minimal sentimentality, a feat facilitated by the impeccable portrayal of Winton by Hopkins, who effortlessly embodies the essence of this unassuming yet impactful figure. Flynn delivers a convincing performance as the younger Winton, supported by a stellar cast that mirrors the remarkable individuals who rallied alongside Winton in this seemingly insurmountable mission. Noteworthy portrayals include Alex Sharp as Trevor Chadwick, possessing unique skills crucial for navigating the challenges posed by the Nazi regime, and Romola Garai as the indispensable and organized Doreen Warriner, instrumental in accomplishing the seemingly impossible tasks. Bonham Carter shines in her role as Winton’s indefatigable mother, alongside Lena Olin’s poignant portrayal of Winton’s wife, Grete.
Winton, akin to Oskar Schindler, epitomized the rare breed of ordinary heroes who emerged during a period of unfathomable atrocities, demonstrating that every life holds value and warrants extraordinary efforts for preservation. One Life, akin to Spielberg’s Schindler’s List from three decades prior, stands as a testament to this truth, serving as a poignant reminder that heart-wrenching narratives akin to Winton’s continue to unfold in families worldwide.
Complementing the narrative, Volker Bertelmann’s tender musical score adds a poignant layer to this exceptional film that demands attention. The production team includes producers Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Joanna Laurie, and Guy Heeley.
Title: One Life
Distributor: Bleecker Street
Release Date: March 15, 2024
Director: James Hawes
Screenplay: Lucinda Coxon, Nick Drake
Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Helena Bonham Carter, Alex Sharp, Romola Garai, Lena Olin
Rating: PG
Running Time: 1 hour and 49 minutes