Foreign Film Series: ‘One Life’poignantly recounts the story of the man who saved 669 refugee children

By Teagan Warren

Although this PG-rated film (a rare find in World War II films) shows no blood or warfare, “One Life” impressed me.

“One Life” powerfully tells the narrative of a London stockbroker named Nicholas Winton who saved 669 refugee children. In the months leading up to World War II, children and their families fled to unoccupied Prague after Hitler had gained occupation of Austria and part of Czechoslovakia. 

Nicholas, commonly called Nicky, visits Prague and sees the streets filled with refugees. Individuals like Doreen, Trevor and Hana are helping the people, but he sees that time is limited for the refugees. The film alternates between showing Nicky in 1938 (played by Johnny Flynn) and 1987 (played by Anthony Hopkins), as the film presents him reflecting on the past and struggling to cope with it.

The film excellently pieces the scenes together to establish Nicholas’ affection for the children and their affection for him. He walks through the streets of Prague, noticeably overwhelmed by the mass distress of the many refugees on the cold, filthy streets. Nicky’s love is shown through his generous giving to a young girl. This scene demonstrates his transition from emotional paralysis at the distress in the streets to kindness. 

Working with his mother, Nicky starts devising a plan to find British foster parents for the refugee children. The viewer revisits flashes of the sad faces of the children Nicky saw while walking the grimy streets. This transition between the camera’s focus on files of the foster kids, to the respective child, is excellently executed in fast-moving action. Doreen, Trevor and Hana play critical roles in putting Nicholas’ plan into action by handling logistics in Prague and getting the children to the train station to escape.

The transitions between the characters of young Nicky in 1938 to Nicky in 1987 flow very nicely, even as this swap is made continually. One excellent acting role is Helen Bonham Carter’s role as Babi Winton, Nicky’s mother. She plays a role much different from the quirky, mentally unstable Bellatrix Lestrange she portrays in “Harry Potter.” Rather, she plays a mother who worries about her son’s safety. When he calls on her to help him rescue children, she commits herself to their protection, appealing repeatedly to immigration services even after denial.

The character of Nicholas is worthy of contemplation by the viewer. When others tried to tell him that he should be proud of himself and his work, he says, “It’s the children’s story, not mine.” When asked about who he is, he describes himself as a “European, an agnostic and a Socialist.” Christians may be tempted to automatically view individuals of the latter two characteristics as immoral. Yet, this film shows a man who acts with pure impulses on behalf of children. This film can remind Christians that non-Christians can do heroic deeds too.

When Nicky insists to Doreen that homes would be found for the children if the British people were only made aware, she responds, “You’ve a lot of faith in ordinary people.” “I do because I’m an ordinary person,” replies Nicky. Trevor and Hana both voice their agreement of their ordinariness. In crowds, we can feel ordinary and insignificant, but this lovely scene shows that to do good, all that is needed is “an army of the ordinary,” in the words of Trevor.

Nicky demonstrates an experience that resonates with many of us when we look at the world but are unable to do much about it. He urges his team to help the children and do more. His mother responds, “We are doing as much as we can.” Frustratedly, he replies, “It’s not enough, though, is it?” This mindset is one that is relevant throughout history. It reminded me of the infamous, poignant conclusion of “Schindler’s List” in which Oskar Schindler mourns, “I didn’t do enough.” He then proceeds to consider how he could have sold all his possessions to save more Jews, grieving, “I could’ve got one more person, and I didn’t.”

After bearing the burden of the children he saved and failed to save for decades, Nicky is offered an opportunity to reconcile the years of his burdens in a glorious way, a concluding scene featuring some of the 6,000 individuals alive today because of his work.

I would highly recommend this film. Although “One Life” was a difficult watch for me, the emotional investment proved worth it for the beautiful depiction of one man’s great love and sense of duty to help the broken around him.

“One Life” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Kanopy.

Teagan Warren is a senior psychology major who enjoys studying in the obscure Ambassador Hall, driving with windows down on country roads and snagging free treats.

Images courtesy of BBC Film.