Posted by Directed by James Hawes and starring Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonhham Carter amongst others is One Life, a true story about Nicholas Winton and how he saved the lives of 669 Czechoslovakian and mainly Jewish children from the Nazis just before world war II.
It is a measured and emotional telling of how Nicholas Winton (young and old played wonderfully by Johnny Flynn and Anthony Hopkins respectively), with the help of many others, saved children from the evil clutches of the Nazis. It shows the heroism of the people on the ground risking their lives to help – Trevor Chadwick (Alex Sharp) and Doreen Warriner (Romola Garai) among them. Not to mention the financial, logistical and bureaucratic problems back in blighty, ably overcome by many, including his mum – played by a fierce and loving Helena Bonhham Carter.
The pacing is nice and even, as it flicks between ‘present day’ 1988 and flashbacks from 1938 without feeling forced. It shows how their exploits went unknown and unrecognised for nigh on 50 years until Nicholas found an old scrap book whilst spring cleaning. This eventually led to an emotional appearance on That’s Life with Esther Rantzen. It ties everything up in a neat little bow, with a heartwarming ending that is thoroughly earnt. The film never slips into mawkishness though, which it could so easily do, and is all the better for it.
This biographical drama does not break new ground but with its powerful subject matter, superbly acted and lovingly told reinvention is not needed. One Life does the history and the people within it justice.
8/10
Lofty Music and Film 