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Entertainment • Film

One Life

One Life is a 2023 biographical drama film directed by James Hawes.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

One Life is a 2023 biographical drama film directed by James Hawes. It portrays the real-life efforts of British humanitarian Nicholas Winton, who helped rescue 669 predominantly Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia in 1938–39. The film stars Anthony Hopkins as the older Winton and Johnny Flynn as the younger Winton.

Premise

One Life dramatizes Nicholas Winton's efforts to save Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia before the Second World War. It also shows the later emotional impact of those events on Winton, who remained largely silent about his actions for decades.

Cast and characters

Anthony Hopkins portrays the older Nicholas Winton, and Johnny Flynn portrays Winton during the 1930s rescue effort. The film also features Helena Bonham Carter and other supporting performers in roles tied to Winton's wartime work and later life.

Historical basis

The film is based on the real Kindertransport-related rescue operation associated with Nicholas Winton. It presents Winton as helping organize the evacuation of 669 predominantly Jewish children from Czechoslovakia before the outbreak of war.

Release

One Life premiered in 2023 and had a wider release in 2024. It opened in the United Kingdom on 1 January 2024 and in the United States on 15 March 2024.

Key facts

  • One Life is a biographical drama about Nicholas Winton's rescue of 669 predominantly Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia.
  • Anthony Hopkins plays the older Winton, and Johnny Flynn plays the younger Winton.
  • The film depicts Winton's actions in the late 1930s and the emotional aftermath decades later.
  • It was released in the United Kingdom on 1 January 2024 and in the United States on 15 March 2024.
  • The screenplay is based on Barbara Winton's biography of her father.
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Canadian context

The film is available in Canada through streaming services and is of interest to Canadian viewers as a historical drama about the Holocaust, refugee rescue, and the broader Kindertransport story.

Frequently asked questions

What is One Life about?
It is a biographical drama about Nicholas Winton's rescue efforts in the late 1930s and the long-term emotional consequences of those events.
Who directed One Life?
James Hawes directed the film.
Who plays Nicholas Winton?
Anthony Hopkins plays the older Winton, and Johnny Flynn plays the younger Winton.
How many children did Nicholas Winton help save in the film's story?
The film states that he helped save 669 predominantly Jewish children.
When was One Life released?
It was released in the United Kingdom on 1 January 2024 and in the United States on 15 March 2024.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Life_(2023_film)
    Supports: Director, premise, cast, release dates, and summary of the film's historical basis.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/one_life
    Supports: Synopsis, director, genre, runtime, release information, and main cast.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13097932/
    Supports: Plot synopsis, cast, and historical premise.
  4. Netflix Canada — https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81729895
    Supports: Canadian availability and short synopsis.
  5. Warner Bros. UK & Ireland — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ethollg-PI
    Supports: Official trailer description, including the rescue of 669 children and the film's dual-time narrative.