ONE LIFE DVD

*One Life* is far more than a historical drama — it’s a deeply affecting exploration of conscience, courage, and the emotional toll of a life lived in service to others. Anchored by a quietly devastating performance from Sir Anthony Hopkins and a skilfully constructed narrative that interweaves past and present, this film manages to be both intensely personal and broadly resonant. The story centres on the remarkable life of Sir Nicholas Winton, a man whose quiet determination saved 669 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia in the lead-up to the Second World War. A feat of astonishing bravery, though one he kept almost entirely to himself for decades. It wasn’t until the 1980s — during a television appearance orchestrated by Esther Rantzen — that the scale of his actions came to public light. This isn’t your typical cradle-to-grave biopic. What the filmmakers have done so astutely is to structure the narrative across two timelines: the 1930s, where Johnny Flynn portrays the younger Winton, just beginning to grasp the horror unfolding across Europe; and the 1980s, where Sir Anthony Hopkins inhabits an older Winton wrestling not with regret, but with the weight of memory and unfinished emotional business. It’s in this latter strand that the film quietly excels. The present-day narrative doesn’t shout. It reflects. Hopkins, with minimal dialogue and maximum emotional precision, conveys the quiet ache of a man who has never sought accolades but begins to realise the importance of remembering — and of being remembered. A moment, understated and wordless, where he’s confronted with the faces of those he saved, lands like a sledgehammer wrapped in silk. You’ll feel it in your throat. That’s not to say the 1930s section doesn’t hold its own. It moves briskly, sometimes necessarily so, employing montages to cover the sheer scale of what Winton and his colleagues — it was very much a team effort — achieved. The period detail is rich without being fussy, and there’s a genuine sense of urgency that propels the scenes forward. Helena Bonham Carter offers a spirited, steel-spined turn as Winton’s German-born mother, Babette, who throws herself into the cause with characteristic flair and fire. The emotional heft, however, belongs to the 1980s. The production captures the period beautifully without resorting to caricature — the costumes, the set dressing, even the lighting feel authentic without being indulgent. Samantha Spiro deserves a mention for her pitch-perfect portrayal of Esther Rantzen, whose role in unearthing Winton’s story is handled with both tact and energy. The scenes involving the *That’s Life!* programme are staged with an uncanny authenticity that adds to the impact. Musically, the score is wisely restrained. It’s present, but never manipulative — letting emotion rise naturally from the performances and the story rather than elbowing you in the ribs. It’s particularly effective in the moments where silence is given space to breathe. As any good composer knows, sometimes it’s what you *don’t* play that speaks the loudest. That this film was overlooked by both the BAFTAs and the Oscars is, frankly, baffling. Hopkins delivers one of his most affecting performances in years — all quiet dignity and buried emotion — and the direction is elegant, subtle, and assured. It never sensationalises; instead, it honours its subject with grace and gravity. A proper tribute. One small but satisfying touch: the DVD launches straight into the menu with no trailers, ads or other nonsense — which feels fitting for a film that respects your time and your intelligence. If you’re not emotionally compromised by the end, you may want to check your pulse. At the very least, have a tissue close at hand — or pretend, as I did, that there’s just *something in your eye*. A beautiful, heart-rending film, and one that lingers long after the credits roll.

Sir Anthony Hopkins in the story of Nicholas Winton. Who saved six hundred and sixty nine children from the Nazis. A story that didn't come out till many years later. This has two narrative strands. Johnny Flynn plays the younger Nicholas back in the day, as his first exposure to the horrors of Nazi Europe drive him to try and save as many as he can. Then Sir Anthony Hopkins as the 1980's Nicholas. You realise early on this isn't going to be a simple biopic. It's instead all about the past. How it can haunt you forever. And how to deal with it. The moment when you realise that it's doing this in the 1980's strand is so understated it really hits. The 1930's section does have to cover a fair bit of a timespan, so does a few montages. It gets in all that it needs though. It does highlight what a team effort it all was. It is emotional at times. And the way it ends will stay with you for a while. Helena Bonham Carter makes an impression as his assertive German born mother. It's in the 1980's section this really shines though. Anthony Hopkins is as amazing as you would expect. Period details are spot on. And it's very interesting to watch how the story all came out. Which confronts the theme that I mentioned. It does get very emotional. A judicious score really helps with this. I think sometimes emotion can hit harder without incidental music. It finds the right way to end also. It's a BBC production and thus delivers with historical costumes. It's also really good at recreating that's life. Samanatha Spiro doing a superb job as Esther Rantzen. This was overlooked by the Baftas and the Oscars. Which is a shame. Incredible acting. Excellent score. Superb direction. A superb film all round. And a perfect tribute also. Do have a hankie handy when watching, as something will get stuck in your eye at points. The dvd goes straight into the menu when loaded with no trailers or ads. Language and subtitle options: Languages: English. Subtitles: English. Extras: You would hope for the That's Life edition. But you don't get it. It can be found online though. What you do get is Celebrating Winton's Kindertransportees. Dvd extras are most often promotional material. But this is something special indeed. An eleven minute long look at some of the children themselves as they are now going to a screening of the film. And interviews with some giving their memories. This is as emotional as you would expect. Just like the film, it has to be watched.

Hopkins and Lena Olin are magnificent in this - and the story of someone who performs a wonderfully good act, but then feels ever afterwards that it was not good enough (and in the face of such evil what could be good enough?) is very moving and thought-provoking.

A well told story. Acting, as ever from Antony Hopkins, is immaculate. Emotional ending. Right up my street!!

I thought I had read or heard all the tales of ordinary people’s incredible acts of compassion and bravery during the 2nd world war, but I had never heard of Nicholas Winton until recently. Of course Anthony Hopkins was superb, as was Helena Bonham Carter as his mother, but the rest of the cast were new to me. All wonderful characters sympathetically brought to life, an amazing story beautifully told. Johnny Flynn was entirely credible as the young “Nicky”. The only slight criticism was the choice of the actress who played Esther Rantzen, her voice was rather shrill. Do not watch this without a box of tissues handy.

I don’t understand why this film hadn’t received wider acclaim. Schindlers list had a similar theme and was feted worldwide, yet this true story about a British businessman who saved nearly 700 children from the Nazis is largely overlooked. As well as telling the story of Winton’s actions in 1938, the film moves on to 1988 and a BBC documentary where some of the children are reunited with their saviour. Winton has been filled with grief over those he couldn’t save and the take is both poignant and heartwarming as he eventually comes to terms with the past. Superb performance from Hopkins and Bonham Carter and an I terestin extra which celebrates the Kindertransportees. A film to watch more than once.

A wonderful true story about an amazing man who rescued Jewish Children from Nazi Occupation.

Best movie seen in ages based on true story . Great ending

good condition and quick delivery

Good film with great cast

Arthrose aux genoux.