The poignant war drama One Life, starring Anthony Hopkins, has drawn comparisons to cinematic classics like Schindler's List and is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The film, released in 2023, tells the remarkable true story of British humanitarian Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 predominantly Jewish children from German-occupied Czechoslovakia before the outbreak of World War II.
A Story of Heroism
Directed by James Hawes, One Life alternates between the perspectives of a 79-year-old Winton reflecting on his past and his younger 29-year-old self. Hopkins portrays the older Winton, while Johnny Flynn plays the younger man who fought to rescue innocent children in the late 1930s. The supporting cast includes Helena Bonham Carter, Lena Olin, Romola Garai, Alex Sharp, and Jonathan Pryce, all of whom have received widespread acclaim for their performances.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The film holds an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer described it as "brilliant" and "absolutely flawless in just about every sense," praising the stellar cast, well-written script, and stunning cinematography. Another viewer noted that while they usually avoid war films due to emotional impact, One Life tells an essential story about doing the right thing and helping others.
Many fans have drawn parallels to Schindler's List, with one commenting: "We all know Schindler's List and have surely read about many other great persons who rescued people from war zones, but who had ever heard of Nicholas Winton?" The film builds to an emotionally powerful conclusion when the older Winton is reunited with the children he rescued, a moment that actually occurred in real life.
A Lasting Legacy
Nicholas Winton maintained close ties with the survivors and their families until his death at age 106 in 2015. One fan remarked: "Very moving true story, perfectly executed with an amazing performance from Anthony Hopkins." One Life is now streaming exclusively on BBC iPlayer.
