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Movies / On DVD / Oliver Twist
Oliver Twist

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Oliver Twist (2005)

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Reviews Counted:133

Fresh:78

Rotten:55

Average Rating:6.3/10

Consensus: Polanski's version of Dickens' classic won't have audiences asking for more because while polished and directed with skill, the movie's a very impersonal experience.

Runtime: 2 hrs 5 mins

Genre: Dramas

Theatrical Release:Sep 23, 2005 Limited

Box Office: $1,987,287

Synopsis: Acclaimed director Roman Polanski turns a dark eye toward the classic Charles Dickens novel OLIVER TWIST, about a charming orphan boy (Barney Clark) whose life seems to depend solely on the whims... Acclaimed director Roman Polanski turns a dark eye toward the classic Charles Dickens novel OLIVER TWIST, about a charming orphan boy (Barney Clark) whose life seems to depend solely on the whims of fate. Abandoned early in life, Oliver first seems doomed to life in a workhouse, where he is farmed out to a local undertaker where he regularly is underfed and mistreated. Hoping to improve his lot in life, Oliver runs away to London, where he falls in with a gang of petty criminals led by the fence Fagin (Ben Kingsley) and the young pickpocket the Artful Dodger (Harry Eden). His new situation seems like relief, until he meets Mr. Brownlow (Edward Hardwicke), who sees Oliver's true character and potential and seems determined to sway destiny. Despite his innocent performance, eleven-year old Barney Clark was already a seasoned professional when Polanski recruited him to play Oliver, including studies at the Anna Scher Theatre and performances in the film THE LAWLESS HEART and British television dramas FOYLE'S WAR and THE BRIEF. Also of note is the moving score by award-winning composer Rachel Portman, which brings to life the gritty life of Victorian London. Polanski can now add OLIVER TWIST to his array of classic films, including THE PIANIST and CHINATOWN, which forever will shape cinematic vision. [More]

Starring: Ben Kingsley, Jamie Foreman, Harry Eden, Leanne Rowe

Starring: Ben Kingsley, Jamie Foreman, Harry Eden, Leanne Rowe, Barney Clark, Edward Hardwicke, Mark Strong, Ian McNeice

Director: Roman Polanski

Director: Roman Polanski
Screenwriter: Ronald Harwood
Producer: Robert Benmussa, Alain Sarde
Composer: Rachel Portman
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment

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Release:

Jan 24, 2006

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Reviews for Oliver Twist

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121 - 140 (sorted by date)
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Any parents thinking of bringing their young kids to this very-hard-PG-13 downer have hereby been warned.

Full Review Source: FilmStew.com | comment Comment
09/22/05
Brett Buckalew
Brett Buckalew
FilmStew.com

With tact and enthusiasm, Roman Polanski grabs hold of a great book and rediscovers its true and enduring vitality.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
09/22/05
A.O. Scott
A.O. Scott
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Deft direction, solid acting and exemplary production make "Oliver Twist" a worthy telling of the classic story and are the resounding answer to my...question: why bother?

Full Review Source: Reeling Reviews | comment Comment
09/22/05
Robin Clifford
Robin Clifford
Reeling Reviews

Polanski...gives "Oliver" two prominent twists which impart a 'there but for the grace of God go I' undercurrent...the specter of the noose hangs heavily over this production

Full Review Source: Reeling Reviews | comment Comment
09/22/05
Laura Clifford
Laura Clifford
Reeling Reviews

A near-masterpiece.

Full Review Source: Christian Science Monitor | comment Comment
09/22/05
Peter Rainer
Peter Rainer
Christian Science Monitor

The roles must have been filled when the casting director was whacked out on prescription cough syrup.

Full Review Source: Planet Sick-Boy | comment Comment
09/22/05
Jon Popick
Jon Popick
Planet Sick-Boy

Lacking energy and pace and enslaved by a ghastly score, this tepid movie left me longing alternately for David Lean's thrillingly grim 1948 masterpiece, and Carol Reed’s chipper 1968 sing-along, with pretty tunes by Lionel Bart.

Full Review Source: L.A. Weekly | comment Comment
09/22/05
Ella Taylor
Ella Taylor
L.A. Weekly

It's irresistible to read his sorrowful and seemingly classical take, from a filmmaker known as much for the schisms in his personal history as for the lurches in his work, as something much more personal and poignant.

Full Review Source: Entertainment Weekly | comment Comment
09/21/05
Lisa Schwarzbaum
Lisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment Weekly
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It is something special in these times of incivility to see a protagonist who stands apart from others with his good manners.

Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | comment Comment
09/21/05
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Spirituality and Practice

The quality of mercy is strained, but by some strange feat it doesn't dissolve entirely.

Full Review Source: Village Voice | comment Comment
09/20/05
Jessica Winter
Jessica Winter
Village Voice

A good-looking production albeit one that is too straightforward and literary.

Full Review Source: Compuserve | comment Comment
09/20/05
Harvey S. Karten
Harvey S. Karten
Compuserve

It is a film where art direction triumphs but genuine art remains elusive.

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
09/18/05
Phil Hall
Phil Hall
Film Threat

Oliver Twist isn't the nasty affair Polanski fans might be hoping for.

Full Review Source: Slant Magazine | comment Comment
09/18/05
Ed Gonzalez
Ed Gonzalez
Slant Magazine

Though Polanski doesn't bring a terribly new angle to Dickens' classic, there's still reason to see his handsome production of a tale not seen on the bigscreen in decades

Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com | comment Comment
09/15/05
Emanuel Levy
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com

Conventional, straightforward and very much within what used to be called the Traditional of Quality, this handsome film is a respectable literary adaptation but lacks dramatic urgency and intriguing undercurrents.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
09/12/05
Todd McCarthy
Todd McCarthy
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The spark that an original point of view might bring to the oft-told tale is missing.

Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
09/09/05
Kirk Honeycutt
Kirk Honeycutt
Hollywood Reporter
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A version of "Oliver" that's so safe, it's pretty much a case of baby-sitting.

Full Review Source: Cinema Signals | comment Comment
08/26/05
Jules Brenner
Jules Brenner
Cinema Signals

Involving, captivating and nearly note perfect--in other words, a proper classic.

Full Review Source: Shadows on the Wall | comment Comment
08/26/05
Rich Cline
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall

... a sincere, impeccably crafted retelling of a classic, invigorated by one of our best filmmakers working from a place of obvious passion...

Full Review Source: Ain't It Cool Movie Reviews | comment Comment
08/25/05
Moriarty
Moriarty
Ain't It Cool Movie Reviews

This version of Twist is a flawless adaptation; finding the right balance between story and screen. Simply enthralling.

Full Review Source: FilmFocus | comment Comment
08/18/05
Joe Utichi
Joe Utichi
FilmFocus
 
 
121 - 140 (sorted by date)
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Latest News for Oliver Twist

October 27, 2006: Polanski's Role in "Rush Hour 3"
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