The highly anticipated BFI London Film Festival has announced its lineup, and among the main gala screenings is the historical drama ‘One Life.’ This film, starring Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Flynn, tells the moving true story of a British humanitarian’s heroic efforts to save children from the clutches of the Nazis during World War II.
Directed by James Hawes, a renowned British TV director known for his work on series like Black Mirror and Doctor Who, ‘One Life’ marks his feature directorial debut. The film also features an impressive cast including Lena Olin, Romola Garai, Alex Sharp, Marthe Keller, Jonathan Pryce, and Helena Bonham Carter.
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The narrative unfolds by intertwining two timelines. The story begins in 1938, following a young London broker named Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton, portrayed by Johnny Flynn. In the months leading up to WWII, he embarks on a heroic mission to rescue 669 children from the clutches of the Nazis. Amid the rising threat of Nazi invasion, Nicky visits Prague and discovers families who have fled Germany and Austria, living in dire conditions and under constant threat. Recognizing the urgency, he races against time to save as many children as possible before the borders close.
Fast forward fifty years to 1988, and we find an older Nicky Winton, now portrayed by Anthony Hopkins. Haunted by the children he couldn’t save, he carries the weight of guilt and regret for not doing more. However, a surprise encounter during a live BBC television show, ‘That’s Life,’ brings him face to face with some of the surviving children, now adults. This encounter helps him find closure and come to terms with the emotions he’s carried for decades.
The film beautifully captures the impact of Nicky Winton’s heroic actions and the lasting legacy he left behind. His story, often referred to as that of the “British Schindler,” resonates deeply with the audience, highlighting the strength of the human spirit even in the darkest of times.
Director James Hawes expressed his excitement about ‘One Life’ being featured as a gala presentation at the BFI London Film Festival, emphasizing how the film’s story is deeply rooted in London’s history and heart.
See-Saw Films, the production company behind acclaimed films like ‘The Power of the Dog’ and ‘The King’s Speech,’ produced ‘One Life’ in collaboration with BBC Film. The film portrays Nicholas Winton’s generosity of spirit and the heartwarming connections that unite people through captivating stories.
The BFI London Film Festival is scheduled to run from October 4 to 15, opening with Emerald Fennell’s ‘Saltburn.’ The festival is renowned for celebrating the power of cinema and connecting audiences with compelling narratives. As ‘One Life’ makes its gala debut, it promises to captivate hearts and honor the incredible legacy of a remarkable individual. The film is set to hit theaters in the U.K. on January 5, 2024, distributed by Warner Bros Pictures.