Directed by
James Hawes
Made by
See-Saw Films
Discover the intricate plot of One Life (2024). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the tumultuous year of 1938 unfolded, the ominous shadow of Adolf Hitler loomed over Europe, casting fear and uncertainty among its inhabitants. In September, he executed the annexation of Austria, sending shockwaves throughout the global community. The leaders of Britain, France, and Italy, in a desperate attempt to avert a larger conflict, yielded to his demands, ceding control of the Sudetenland region in Czechoslovakia. Just a day after, Hitler’s forces stormed into Czechoslovakia, sparking a mass exodus of terrified refugees fleeing to the capital, Prague. Among these frightened families were countless children, all seeking safety and solace from the encroaching threat.
Far removed from this chaos, in the quiet English suburbs, Nicholas Winton (Anthony Hopkins) lived a comparatively peaceful life with his wife, Grete (Lena Olin). But beneath the surface of their tranquil existence, tensions brewed. Grete’s mounting frustration with the clutter resulting from Nicholas’ humanitarian work had reached a tipping point. As she prepared for an upcoming trip, she insisted he find a home for an old briefcase that had long been neglected in his office. Alone with the memories of his past, Nicholas was about to embark on a journey that would change countless lives.
Transporting us back to 1938, we meet a younger Nicholas, affectionately known as Nicky (Johnny Flynn), living in London with his mother, Babi (Helena Bonham Carter). A stockbroker by profession, Nicky found himself increasingly pulled into the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Prague. His friend, Martin (Ziggy Heath), already active in aiding the flood of refugees, implored him to join the cause, despite the evident dangers.
Upon his arrival in Prague, Nicky connected with Trevor Chadwick (Alex Sharp) and Doreen Warriner (Romola Garai), both members of the British Committee for Refugees. They provided Nicky a grim view of the dire conditions that refugees faced. One maid, Hana Hejdukova (Juliana Moska), graciously guided Nicky through the overcrowded camps, where he was profoundly struck by the sight of ill-equipped children bracing for the harsh winter ahead.
As Nicky investigated further, he stumbled upon a disheartening truth: the British Kindertransport program, which successfully evacuated children from Germany and Austria, had no plans to extend its efforts to Czechoslovakia. This realization only intensified his determination to help. He met with a Rabbi who voiced concerns over Nicky’s intentions, fearing they could inadvertently aid Hitler’s extermination plan. Undeterred, Nicky reminded the Rabbi that his Jewish heritage, though significant, had been overshadowed by his upbringing as a Christian. Gradually, the Rabbi came to understand Nicky’s intentions, and they began devising a plan to save the children.
When Nicky’s cause reached Babi, she sprang into action, gathering vital information from the British Immigration office. She encountered Mr. Leadbetter (Michael Gould), the head of the office, whose dismissiveness did little to deter her resolve. Meanwhile, Nicky paused his plans to join forces with Hana, thoroughly gathering data on the children in desperate need of help. He was especially focused on locating a young girl and her infant sibling that he had encountered during his initial visit.
Years later, a distressing call from his daughter prompted Nicholas to sift through stored memories, leaving behind remnants of his past. Nicky and Trevor worked relentlessly gathering testimonials from Jewish families, while Babi educated them on the arduous process of securing asylum—complete with application submissions, sponsorship, financial backing, medical certifications, and the commitment of foster families.
Not one to back down from a challenge, Nicky proposed using the press to rally public support, and Trevor presented him with a briefcase brimming with essential documents. Babi helped them draft an urgent letter outlining the dire conditions in Prague and their desperation for assistance.
As time’s sands slipped through the hourglass, Nicky and Babi paid another visit to Mr. Leadbetter, pleading with him to expedite the necessary processes to facilitate the escape of their first twenty children to Liverpool within a daunting two-week timeframe, especially given the threat of impending invasion. Babi’s heartfelt entreaty resonated with Leadbetter, who agreed to assist provided all paperwork was properly submitted.
In a race against time, Nicky and his team persistently worked alongside Martin to secure the vital documents for the first group. Trevor’s news of escalating turmoil in Prague served as a stark reminder of the escalating crisis, yet the first twenty children made their escape to England, and were subsequently assigned to their new foster families.
As Nicholas rifled through the memories of his past, he was determined to reveal and share the noble efforts of their mission. Despite encountering hurdles along the way, his commitment led him to meet Elisabeth “Betty” Maxwell (Marthe Keller), a historian interested in documenting his endeavors during the war. Together, they pored over the pages of a weathered scrapbook, each tale a testament to the countless lives he had affected. By the end, Nicholas proudly shared that he had facilitated the safe passage of 669 children, evoking admiration and heartbreak at the thought of those left behind.
With Christmas nearing, Nicholas and Grete welcomed their daughter, engulfed in holiday joy. However, amidst the celebration, a message from the Sunday Mirror emerged, offering Nicholas a chance to recount his harrowing yet uplifting story on BBC’s “That’s Life!” As he sat and awaited his moment on screen, the host, Esther Rantzen (Samantha Spiro), artfully conveyed Nicholas’ narrative, leading to an unexpected emotional reunion with Vera, one of the rescued children.
In the time that followed, Grete had once more received a call, revealing that two more individuals—whose lives had been forever changed due to Nicholas’ deeds—longed to meet him. This lead to another reunion on the show, where Esther revealed that the audience consisted entirely of the now-adult children that Nicholas had saved during the war.
Surrounded by tears of joy and warm cheers, Nicholas stood in awe of the lives he had touched, his heart swelling with fulfillment. In subsequent years, he and Grete continued to nurture relationships with Vera and her family, solidifying bonds of love forged through shared experiences.
In the remarkable epilogue of this journey, Nicholas maintained close ties with those he had rescued until his passing at the incredible age of 106. His legacy endured through the scrapbook, gifted to the Holocaust Museum in Israel as a tribute to his unwavering humanity and selflessness. In recognition of these noble contributions, Queen Elizabeth II honored Nicholas with the title of knighthood, a fitting tribute to a life devoted to uplifting others in their darkest hours.
Track the key events of One Life (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Adolf Hitler's Annexation of Austria
In September 1938, Adolf Hitler executed the annexation of Austria, creating ripples of fear across Europe. This aggressive move marked a significant step in his quest for expansion, alarming world leaders and ordinary citizens alike.
Ceding Sudetenland
In a desperate bid to prevent further conflict, the leaders of Britain, France, and Italy yielded to Hitler’s demands by ceding control of the Sudetenland region in Czechoslovakia. This act of appeasement only emboldened Hitler's regime as tensions escalated throughout Europe.
Storming into Czechoslovakia
Just a day after the Sudetenland was ceded, Hitler's forces stormed into Czechoslovakia. This aggression sparked a mass exodus of terrified refugees who fled toward Prague, seeking safety and refuge from the increasing threat.
Nicholas Winton's Peaceful Life
In contrast to the chaos in Europe, Nicholas Winton lived a relatively peaceful life in the English suburbs with his wife, Grete. However, underlying tensions regarding his humanitarian efforts began to strain their relationship.
Nicky's Awakening
Transported back in time, we meet a younger Nicholas, known as Nicky, living with his mother Babi in London. As a stockbroker, he becomes increasingly aware of the humanitarian crisis faced by refugees fleeing to Prague.
Nicky Joins the Cause
Urgently moved by the plight of refugees, Nicky is persuaded by his friend Martin to join the humanitarian efforts in Prague. Though aware of the dangers, he feels compelled to take action for the vulnerable children.
Meeting Trevor Chadwick and Doreen Warriner
Upon arriving in Prague, Nicky connects with Trevor Chadwick and Doreen Warriner from the British Committee for Refugees. They share the grim realities faced by the refugees, urging him to help alleviate their suffering.
Discovery of Kindertransport's Limitations
Nicky learns that the Kindertransport program, which had successfully evacuated children from Germany and Austria, would not extend to Czechoslovakia. This revelation ignites his determination to save the children from impending danger.
Babi's Efforts
Finding out about Nicky's mission, his mother Babi jumps into action. With relentless tenacity, she gathers crucial information from the British Immigration office despite facing resistance from Mr. Leadbetter, the head of the office.
Public Awareness Campaign
Nicky's idea to use the press to raise public awareness gains momentum. With Trevor's help, they gather essential documents and draft a letter detailing the dire conditions in Prague to solicit assistance for the cause.
Urgent Plea to Expedite Documents
With time running out, Nicky and Babi return to plead with Mr. Leadbetter to expedite the documents needed to escape the first twenty children to Liverpool. Babi's heartfelt appeal ultimately persuades Leadbetter to cooperate.
The First Group's Escape
Nicky and his team make tireless efforts to secure documents, and amidst the escalating turmoil in Prague, the first twenty children successfully escape to England. This initial success marks a significant milestone in their humanitarian mission.
Nicholas's Legacy
Years later, Nicholas looks back, recounting his journey of rescuing 669 children and his efforts are documented by historian Elisabeth Maxwell. The stories contained in his weathered scrapbook serve as a testament to his compassion and bravery.
Emotional Reunion on BBC
As Nicholas shares his inspiring story on the BBC show 'That’s Life!', he is unexpectedly reunited with Vera, one of the children he saved. This emotional moment highlights both the impact of his work and the enduring bonds formed during that tumultuous time.
Honoring a Humanitarian
In recognition of his selfless efforts, Queen Elizabeth II bestows the title of knighthood upon Nicholas. His legacy continues as he maintains close ties with the children he rescued until his passing at the age of 106.
Meet the characters that bring One Life (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Nicholas Winton
Nicholas Winton, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, is a compassionate and determined stockbroker who is drawn into the humanitarian crisis of 1938. Driven by his inner resolve, he risks everything to save vulnerable children fleeing the encroaching threat of war. His journey showcases remarkable leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Babi Winton
Babi Winton, played by Helena Bonham Carter, is Nicholas's supportive yet initially frustrated wife. As she witnesses her husband's dedication to saving refugees, she transforms from skepticism to active involvement, demonstrating strength and resilience. Her character embodies the spirit of partnership and determination in times of crisis.
Trevor Chadwick
Trevor Chadwick, as portrayed by Alex Sharp, is a passionate advocate for refugee rights who collaborates closely with Nicholas. His resourcefulness and dedication to the cause highlight the collective effort required to effect change. Trevor’s character represents youthful idealism and the power of friendship in challenging times.
Uncover the settings of One Life (2024), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1938
The movie is set in the tumultuous year of 1938, a time when political tensions escalated in Europe, culminating in the horrors of World War II. This year marked the annexation of Austria by Hitler and the subsequent surrender of neighboring territories, leading to significant refugee crises. The urgency of action became paramount as families fled from impending danger, seeking safety in foreign lands.
Location
Prague, Czechoslovakia, Liverpool, England
Prague, the capital of Czechoslovakia, serves as a pivotal setting in the film, representing both the hope and desperation of refugees during the tumultuous events of 1938. Renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture, Prague became a refuge and a route of escape during the impending threat of war. Liverpool, a port city in England, symbolizes safety and new beginnings for the children rescued from Europe.
Explore the core themes of One Life (2024). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Humanitarianism
The central theme of humanitarianism resonates strongly throughout the film as Nicholas Winton becomes a beacon of hope amid chaos. His unwavering commitment to saving the lives of children in distress showcases the power of compassion and courage. It emphasizes the importance of individual action in the face of overwhelming adversity.
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Legacy
Nicholas Winton's legacy is a poignant theme that unfolds as the story progresses. His efforts to rescue children from the clutches of war ultimately leave a lasting impact that transcends generations. The film highlights how acts of kindness can be immortalized, impacting lives long after they occur.
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