On the eve of the Second World War, a British stockbroker arranged for the clandestine evacuation of more than 600 children from the former Czechoslovakia to foster families in London – a humanitarian feat of such scope and cunning that its orchestrator has been frequently compared to Oskar Schindler.
Now 104 years old (and the fact that he has made it into his 11th decade is a pretty good argument for good karma), Nicholas Winton is a figure who deserves a worthy documentary in his name; unfortunately, Matej Minac's Nicky's Family only gets about halfway there.
The story is compelling enough without the mediocre dramatic re-enactments that have been sprinkled amid the otherwise solid assemblage of archival footage and talking heads, and the musical score keeps cuing our emotions instead of letting us respond on our own.
Minac's affection and admiration for his subject are palpable, but his enthusiasm and passion can't transcend the mediocrity of the presentation.
Adam Nayman