One Life

 

       This new drama is based on the true story of Nickolas Winton, a British stockbroker who took it upon himself to organize (with a small group of others) the rescue of over six hundred child refugees (most of whom were Jewish) from Czechoslovakia on the brink of World War Two.

       Sir Anthony Hopkins plays the elder Winton, who, when cleaning out old files finds his scrapbook with details of the rescue and decides to bring it to public attention. Flashbacks take us to Prague in 1938 where the young adult Winton is played by Johnny Flynn.

       Mr. Flynn is subtlety dashing in his resolve to help as many children as he can, get safely to England. Sir Hopkins gives a superb performance as the elder Winton, who wants the story told. The film co-stars Helena Bonham Carter as Babi Winton (Nickolas's mother in the flashbacks), Lena Olin as Grete Winton, Jonathan Pryce as the elder Martin Blake, Ziggy Health as young Martin Blake, Romola Garai as Doreen Warriner, and Samantha Spiro as Ester Rantzen.

       This little known, remarkable, story is deeply moving and heartfelt. It should be seen by the largest audience possible. It will restore your faith in humanity.