Sheds light on the British humanitarian efforts in the period leading up to the outbreak of World War II through his latest film, One Life.
In One Life, the 86-year-old Hopkins takes on a dual role alongside Johnny Flynn (Emma, The Outfit) as a British individual who played a crucial role in rescuing children from Nazi-occupied regions in what is currently the Czech Republic. The movie delves into the actions of Winton, also known as Nicky to his close circle, and his fellow humanitarians during the Kindertransport operation, showcasing the public acknowledgment he received many years later.
The narrative unfolds with Winton’s journey to Prague in December 1938 and January 1939, just before the German occupation of the region then called Czechoslovakia. Collaborating with allies like Trevor Chadwick, Martin Blake, and Doreen Warriner (depicted by Alex Sharp, Ziggy Heath, and Romola Garai in the film respectively), he identified numerous children in need of secure havens. Upon returning to London, Nicky and his mother Babi Winton ensured the safe passage of these children via trains across Europe.
Director James Hawes of the film emphasizes that Nicky acknowledged the collective effort of a team of volunteers, including Czech individuals facing greater risks than him and his mother. The involvement of Nicky’s family and advisors in the movie production aimed to portray the operation as a collaborative endeavor rather than a solo hero’s mission.
Nicky maintained a low profile regarding his contributions to the Kindertransport until the 1980s when he and his spouse stumbled upon scrapbooks documenting the hundreds of lives he saved. A notable moment orchestrated by the British talk show That’s Life in 1988 reunited him with many of the rescued children after five decades.
Footage from this televised reunion has amassed millions of views over the years. The film recreates this poignant event, described by filmmaker Hawes as emotionally charged and challenging to capture on camera.
Since the 1980s, Nicky has been recognized for overseeing the transportation of at least 669 children from Prague to the UK before September 1, 1939, marking the onset of World War II with Germany’s invasion of Poland. It is estimated that approximately 6,000 individuals are alive today due to the collective efforts in the Prague Rescue, a crucial part of the broader Kindertransport initiative.
Eve Paddock, a Czech native now residing in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was merely 3 years old when she and her sister boarded one of these trains. During an interview with filmmaker Hawes and Nicky’s son Nick Winton, Paddock reflects on Nicky’s profound understanding of his impact on their lives.
Nick Winton recalls his father’s modest reaction to the accolades he received, including knighthood in 2003, finding the recognition somewhat uncomfortable. The film’s conclusion, subtly crafted to reflect Nicky’s understated nature, aims to leave viewers with a reflective message on individual actions in the face of adversity.
Based on Barbara Winton’s book If, One Life is currently showing in theaters.