"One Life" is a poignant film capturing the incredible true story of Sir Nicholas 'Nicky' Winton, a compassionate young British man who, in the tumultuous months preceding World War II, undertook a remarkable mission to rescue 669 children from the clutches of Nazi Germany. The film, set against the backdrop of 1938 Prague, skillfully captures the harrowing conditions and desperate struggles of displaced families facing an uncertain future under the looming threat of invasion.
Johnny Flynn delivers a compelling performance as young Nicky, with his visit to Prague becoming a turning point in his life. Witnessing families living in squalor, enduring freezing temperatures, and facing the dire consequences of Hitler's rise to power, Nicky is profoundly moved. The film beautifully portrays his determination to make a difference, a decision that sets in motion a series of events that would change the lives of countless children.
The narrative unfolds as Nicky returns to London and initiates an ambitious process to temporarily relocate the refugee children to the safety of foster families in the UK. However, the government's response is indifferent, presenting Nicky with seemingly impossible to overcome challenges, including exorbitant visa application fees for every child and bureaucratic red tape. Faced with reluctance and discouragement, Nicky places an advertisement in a newspaper, appealing for donations and voluntary adopting parents from all over Britain.
The film bravely delves into the often-unpopular topic of refugees, particularly focusing on the silent and vulnerable victims—the children. It underscores the importance of collective action and support for humanitarian causes. In the latter part of the film, featuring an older Nicky played by Anthony Hopkins, we witness him struggling to draw attention to a historically significant achievement that is distant from modern audiences.
Despite the passage of time since 1938, the world's indifference towards displaced families and children remains unsettlingly similar. The act of barring individuals from crossing borders or entering our countries persists. It is high time we abandoned ignorance and silence, taking proactive steps to address the measures nations are
willing to take to safeguard children during current military conflicts.
I was moved to tears by 'One Life', struggling to express precisely why it resonated with me so profoundly. Perhaps it was the poignant portrayal of refugee children in Czechoslovakia, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of many individuals, including my Polish grandparents, who miraculously endured the war. The crew of "One Life" has crafted a cinematic masterpiece that beautifully captures history.
Agnes Prygiel, 24.01.2024