Any parents thinking of bringing their young kids to this very-hard-PG-13 downer have hereby been warned.
Oliver Twist (2005)
Tomatometer
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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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Reviews for Oliver Twist
With tact and enthusiasm, Roman Polanski grabs hold of a great book and rediscovers its true and enduring vitality.
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?
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
The roles must have been filled when the casting director was whacked out on prescription cough syrup.
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.
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.
It is something special in these times of incivility to see a protagonist who stands apart from others with his good manners.
The quality of mercy is strained, but by some strange feat it doesn't dissolve entirely.
A good-looking production albeit one that is too straightforward and literary.
It is a film where art direction triumphs but genuine art remains elusive.
Oliver Twist isn't the nasty affair Polanski fans might be hoping for.
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
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.
The spark that an original point of view might bring to the oft-told tale is missing.
A version of "Oliver" that's so safe, it's pretty much a case of baby-sitting.
Involving, captivating and nearly note perfect--in other words, a proper classic.
... a sincere, impeccably crafted retelling of a classic, invigorated by one of our best filmmakers working from a place of obvious passion...
This version of Twist is a flawless adaptation; finding the right balance between story and screen. Simply enthralling.
Latest News for Oliver Twist
October 27, 2006:
Polanski's Role in "Rush Hour 3"
Wondering how/why filmmaker Roman Polanski would be appearing in next summer's "Rush Hour 3"? I'll admit I was a little curious, so here's a little scoop: He's playing... More...
February 17, 2006:
Newell & Bardem Come Down with "Cholera"
International acting stud Javier Bardem and well-rounded movie director Mike Newell are about to bring the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Love in the Time of Cholera" to the... More...
September 29, 2005:
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 49% 49% | Taking Woodstock |
| 26% 26% | The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard |
| 47% 47% | The Girl From Monaco |
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