Crime,Drama,Family
Czech Republic,France,Italy,United Kingdom
In Roman Polanski's 2005 adaptation of Oliver Twist, the story of the titular orphan's struggle to survive on the harsh streets of 19th century London is given a vivid and haunting new life. The movie begins with a tense and gripping sequence in which Oliver's mother dies giving birth to him in a workhouse, setting the stage for his bleak and desperate existence.
After escaping from the workhouse, Oliver (played by newcomer Barney Clark) falls in with a gang of street urchins led by the wily and charismatic Fagin (Ben Kingsley). Under Fagin's tutelage, Oliver learns the art of pickpocketing, and becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld of London. Despite his exposure to violence, corruption, and exploitation, Oliver maintains his innate goodness and purity of heart.
The movie's stylish and atmospheric visuals, including stunningly realized period settings and costumes, give it a timeless feel that transcends the era in which it was made. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Kingsley in particular giving a standout turn as the manipulative and morally compromised Fagin.
Another standout of the film is the character of Nancy, the tragic prostitute who befriends Oliver and helps to protect him from the danger and violence that surround him. Played by Samantha Morton, Nancy is a complex and tragic figure who adds depth and emotional resonance to the story.
Overall, Polanski's Oliver Twist is a gripping and emotionally resonant adaptation of one of the greatest works of literature ever written, and is a must-see for fans of Dickens, classic cinema, and gripping storytelling.
