Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving war-time biopic celebrates the best of humanity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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One Life
What's the Story?
ONE LIFE tells the remarkable true story of Nicholas Winton who risked everything to help save Jewish children in the lead up to World War II. Leaving behind his supportive mother (Helena Bonham Carter) in England, Winton (Johnny Flynn) sets off alone to Czechoslovakia and after witnessing families being forced out of their homes into hopeless refugee camps, makes it his mission to rescue hundreds of children to the safety of the British Isles. Fifty years later, Winton (Anthony Hopkins) still carries this heavy burden and decides to try and tell the story of those children.
Is It Any Good?
This British biographical drama survives off its incredible story. One Life is set across two timelines, with Flynn and Hopkins both playing the central role of Winton, a man who saved hundreds of children from the Nazis in the run up to WWII. Many people with have seen the viral clip of an elderly Winton being surprised by several of these children -- now adults -- during a British television broadcast in the 1980s. It's a profoundly moving TV moment. The issue with James Hawes' film, however, is that while Winton's selflessness was nothing short of incredible, the actual act itself lacks dramatic tension. Most of what Winton achieved, and how he went about it, was largely paperwork. It was securing the right documents to ensure the majority Jewish children were able to leave Czechoslovakia and make it to England safely. This takes nothing away from Winton and the film is a worthy tribute to a great man. But as a movie it just lacks a sense of cinematic intensity. The performance by Hopkins is wonderful, though, in a role you just feel was made for this treasured actor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the positive messages in One Life. Nicholas Winton shows tremendous perseverance, compassion, integrity, humility, empathy, and courage in his quest. Why are these such important character strengths to have? Can you think of a time when you've shown these traits?
How do you think the children in the movie must have felt? Did the events shown in the film remind you of anything happening today?
Discuss the outbreak of World War II as depicted in the film. Do you know much about this time period? Has this movie encouraged you to learn more about it? How to talk with kids about violence, crime, and war.
How was smoking depicted in the film? Was it glamorized? How has our behavior when it comes to smoking changed from when the movie was set?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 15, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : April 9, 2024
- Cast : Anthony Hopkins , Johnny Flynn , Helena Bonham Carter
- Director : James Hawes
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Bleecker Street Media
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History , Transportation ( Trains )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Humility , Perseverance
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material, smoking and some language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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