A review of the coming film “One Life”
The 2000 documentary “Into The Arms Of Strangers” was a harrowing account of the Kindertransport, the transfer from the Nazi terror of Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia to Britain of some 10,000 unaccompanied Jewish children in the nine-month window of opportunity between Krystalnacht and the outbreak of war. “One Life” is the story of how one young British businessman, called Nicholas Winton, organised evacuations that saved the lives of 669 of those children.Veteran actor Anthony Hopkins plays Winton in old age, thinking back to his rescue efforts when he is portrayed by Johnny Flynn. Hopkins, as always, is wonderful and the scenes where, on the television programme “That’s Life” he meets as adults some of those whom he saved as children, brought tears to my eyes. A strong support cast includes Helena Bonham-Carter, Jonathan Pryce and (a personal favourite) Romola Garai.
The 1939 scenes are shot in Prague, from where the Kindertransport children boarded the trains, so there is a strong sense of verisimilitude. Sadly the problem of refugees fleeing a tyrannical regime is all too contemporary.
I attended the European premiere of the film in the presence of the director, writers and crew (the actors were on strike), an event held at the Royal Festival Hall as part of the 2023 London Film Festival. I was privileged to be accompanying my friend, 95 year old Gerda Svarny, who was one of 11 surviving Kindertransport children at the screening.
“One Life” will be released in cinemas on 1 January 2024.