One Life

One Life — about a man who worked to get children out of Czechoslovakia in the lead-up to World War II — mostly is what it is: a by-the-numbers historical drama. But it’s one that’s made with an undeniable level of skill and craft, and that’s elevated by two very strong performances from Johnny Flynn and Anthony Hopkins as the main character in his youth and his later years. Of course, it’s no surprise that Hopkins can act, but Flynn is every bit his equal. It’s hard to deny that the film is emotionally manipulative, particularly towards the end, and is trying very hard to push your buttons. But it’s also hard to deny that it absolutely worked; my tears could not have been more jerked.

***1/2 out of ****