A war film currently streaming on BBC iPlayer has captivated audiences, with many hailing it as 'absolutely flawless' and drawing comparisons to the iconic Holocaust drama Schindler's List. The 2023 biographical film, titled One Life, is directed by James Hawes and tells the remarkable true story of British humanitarian Nicholas Winton, who rescued 669 mostly Jewish children from German-occupied Czechoslovakia in the lead-up to World War II.
A Stellar British Cast
The film features an outstanding ensemble of British actors, led by the legendary Anthony Hopkins as the older Nicholas Winton, reflecting on his extraordinary past. Johnny Flynn portrays the younger Winton, who tirelessly worked to save innocent lives in the 1930s. Supporting roles are filled by Helena Bonham Carter, Lena Olin, Romola Garai, Alex Sharp, and Jonathan Pryce, all of whom have garnered widespread acclaim for their performances.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
On Rotten Tomatoes, One Life holds an impressive overall score of 91%. One fan wrote in a comprehensive review: 'Brilliant! Absolutely flawless in just about every sense. The stellar cast all excels in character, very well written and stunning cinematography. The fact that one person CAN make a difference, even if it is just in his/her own world, definitely inspires. Remarkable take on true events. Very engaging and riveting.'
Another viewer compared the film to Schindler's List, stating: '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? ... This story had to be told as it shows there is always a way to do the right thing, helping and supporting others.'
An Emotional Conclusion
The film builds to a deeply emotional climax when the 79-year-old Winton is reunited with the children he rescued—a moment that genuinely occurred in real life. Winton maintained contact with these individuals and their families until his death at the age of 106 in 2015. A further review praised the film as 'a very moving true story, perfectly executed with an amazing performance from Anthony Hopkins.'
One Life is now streaming on BBC iPlayer.
