Sir Anthony Hopkins shares the remarkable story of Sir Nicholas Winton in the film One Life

Sir Anthony Hopkins, the acclaimed actor, recently discussed his new film and his role as Sir Nicholas Winton, a British stockbroker who saved 669 children from the Nazis during World War Two. Hopkins, who joins the interview from his home in Los Angeles, expresses his admiration for Winton, referring to him as the true hero of the story. Winton organized the Kindertransport trains that rescued mainly Jewish children from Czechoslovakia before the war began. Despite Winton's humble perspective on his actions, Hopkins acknowledges the heroic nature of his deeds. Winton remained silent about his actions for nearly five decades, only sharing his story after it was published in the Sunday Mirror and featured on the BBC's That's Life program. During the show, survivors who were saved by Winton were brought together, revealing the impact he had made. The film One Life recreates this powerful moment, with descendants of the Kindertransport children in attendance during the filming. Hopkins, who was born just before the outbreak of war, has a personal connection to the historical events depicted in the film. He recalls his parents taking him to London in 1945, where he saw photographs from the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. The actor notes how these experiences have stayed with him throughout his life. Notably, Hopkins agrees with Winton's belief that the only way to avoid conflict is through compromise and understanding. He expresses concern about the current culture of dismissal and insists that people should stand up for what they believe is right. One Life, according to Hopkins, is a poignant story for the present time, as conflicts continue to affect Europe. While he acknowledges that films cannot change the world, he hopes they can make people reflect and inspire them to take action. The article also introduces Renate Collins, one of the last Kindertransport children to leave Prague. Renate shares her emotional experience of meeting Winton during the That's Life recording and describes him as an introverted individual who didn't want any recognition for his actions. As the conversation with Hopkins comes to a close, he reflects on his own life, expressing gratitude for each day and embracing his various artistic pursuits. The actor's humble and appreciative nature shines through, epitomizing the spirit of the true hero, Sir Nicholas Winton. The film, One Life, is set to be released in the UK on January 1, 2024.