Nicholas Winton was a young stock broker who rescued 669 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. He’s played by Johnny Flynn in the 30s and Anthony Hopkins in the 80s, when his deeds became known to the world. Both actors do a fine job and Hopkins has some especially moving moments. With a story like this you expect tragic drama from the scenes of struggling children. Unfortunately, as directed by James Hawes, the sad children never create much empathy. There’s a bit of tension when the Nazis show up, but that’s expected. The British are known for their restrained emotions and the choice to underplay leaves this film with an important story, but little dramatic heft to engage the emotions. 
(2.5 / 5)
