Nicky’s Children
hen I see Sir Anthony Hopkins name among the cast, I know that this will be a film worth watching. On stage and screen, he is an exceptional actor. His inherent and seemingly effortless manner of convincing one that he is who he portrays at that particular moment is truly distinctive. He is an allround artist, as well as a composer and pianist. He also has a flair for cooking. It is undeniable that the voice possesses a poetic Welshness that is comparable to that of his contemporaries, including Richard Burton, Kenneth Griffith, and Jonathon Pryce, who are all in a class of their own. They don't make them like they used to.
The Film
And I'm going to be honest, I don't believe in burying something that was so god- dam horrific. Furthermore, it is imperative that this matter be brought to light, if only to underscore the inherent cruelty inherent in our genetic makeup. The film shows how man can be at his worst. The film, One Life, was filmed between London and Prague in 2022. The story is based on Barbara Winton's book about her courageous father, Sir Nicholas Winton, and is a true story. It is a simple format with a quietness that is very English-like. The plot of the film jumps between the past and the present, therefore set between
1939 & 80s. Sir Winton, an elderly gentleman, living in his country residence, arranging his swimming pool and searching for items that have been buried in his cluttered study. His old briefcase sits on his desk, and is a reminder of what he did for many people who were doomed to die. He also has a collection of bric-à-brac, thinking that it might be useful to someone. Then young Nicky Winton is a successful stockbroker who works in a busy London office. Sir Winton rescued 669 children during a period of nine months in 1939. Unfortunately, train 11 was held up by the Nazis and was never able to reach England. Their fate would be to perish in the most appalling way. It was the last train that failed
to escape. Nicky was torn up by this, and he carried the burden of train 11 in his memory until 2015, when he passed away at the ripe age of 106 years old.
Nicky was steadfast in his determination to rescue the children, and he was aided by others who were already present in Czechoslovakia, attempting to be useful. In real life, Nicky's mother was crucial in convincing the foreign office to get involved and being upfront in refusing to take no, for an answer.
Nonetheless, this film does not solely focus on the harrowing gas chambers or the physical brutality of the concentration camps. Rather, it focuses on the collaborative efforts amongst friends, and the foreign office to evacuate the children and locate foster homes, arrange their paperwork, and other pertinent matters. The majority of the children would not have returned to their country as they had no one to return to, families were separated, and slaughtered.
Elizabeth Maxwell is a Holocaust historian, the wife of media magnate the late Robert Maxwell, and the mother of Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a prison sentence for her connections to the Jeffrey Epstein sex abuse ring.
Elizabeth orchestrated that the press became aware of what Nicholas had done saving so many lives, and she gave all the details to the Esther Rantzen show, That’s life. Nicky was invited unaware that he was the star of the show, and would meet the now adults that were the children. The programme was hugely emotional for everyone, but especially for those that were saved and Sir Winton.
Opinion, Cast & Crew
This biographical drama was directed by British filmmaker James Hawes. His work started in the BBC's documentary and current affairs departments. He launched, “The Young Shakespeare Company,” which he was also the “Artistic Director.” His works includes Fanny Hill, The 39 Steps, Merlin, Mad Dogs, The Mill, Undercover, Black Mirror, Enid, Penny Dreadful, Raised By Wolves, Doctor Who, these are
just a few of his
impressive works. It is directed flawlessly, and I think this is a film that all schools should show to their pupils for it humanitarian and educational values.
Anthony Hopkins was so good he made the film One Life enjoyable. His calm and honest portrayal was magnificent. The clever production looked so real it was scary. The moments of a quiet sadness really got to you at different stages of the film. Not a masterpiece or
should l say a-less than-extraordinary film, nevertheless a film that brings to the light the greatness one life can have and how one person can make all the difference.
Helena Bonham Carter brings to life Babi Winton, Nicky's mother, and she was as always skilfully convincing as the strong headed mother that would take no bull from anybody. Young Winton was played by Johnny Flynn, and his likeness to Hopkins blew
me away. Jonathon Pryce played Martin Blake a friend and colleague of the older Sir Winton, his role was small but as always, meaningful.
In 2003, Winton was knighted by Queen Elizabeth 11, for “services to humanity in saving Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia”.
A film well worth seeing.