Oliver Twist (2005)
Few minutes ago I saw the Roman Polanski version of Oliver Twist. I did not like this version and my honest opinion is that the one made back in 1968 was way better – in terms of acting ,cast – cinematic realization in general . This being said I still enjoyed the movie ( at least one bit ) and so did my 11 year old cousin who saw the movie with me. I assume that most of you if not all are already familiar with the popular story written by Charles Dickens which is why I am not going to get in much details about its storyline. Instead I would like to outline the rather unique twist in the version of Roman Polanski – at the end of the movie one actually feels sorry for FAgin ( even my cousin get really sad watching the scene in which Oliver went to the prison to see him- asking me – “….but why he was a very good old man ?” I tried to explain that he was making the boys to steal for him – risking their own life – but I have to admit that my explanations were not that convincing as by the last scene I too felt sympathy for the old fella . After all he was providing food and shelter for the boys – who otherwise could just as well die from hunger in the streets !
After seeing this adaptation of Oliver Twist – I feel a bit angry to myself for letting my cousin watch it and get a first impression about Oliver Twist from it ( he is yet to read the book ).This version has a PG rating – and its plot is seriously sugar coated . At times even I had problems associating the scenes with what I have read , watched ( including several times on the stage ) …etc. ( some subplots are missing as well). And I don`t even want to start discussing the acting – considering that the main character Oliver ( played by Barney Clark ) was not convincing at all.
May be my opinion is a bit biased as I am huge fan of the Musical – but my advice for all of you is to stay away from this movie . Do yourself a favor and look for a copy of the BBC’s 1985 version instead .
Accurate adaptation : 1985 BBC mini-series version
Official movie site ( link) IMDB page (link) Title image source ( link)
Related : Oliver the musical ( link) I`d do anything BBC talent search ( link) Review (link)
Wanted (1994) Short film review: 
Review of the coming of age classic book Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon . Audio review of the book is included in the article.
Thanks for linking to my review – and of course: I totally agree with your opinion on this one. Polanski just failed here, the outcome has basically nothing to do with the original book. But how could it be otherwise, when the whole topic is interpreted and reshoot over and over again ? I am not against remakes, but in terms of the tale about Oliver Twist I certainly hope that there won’t be any further approaches…
The musical version is the best – since it is funny and entertaining, but still leaves a lot of room for rather serious interpretations. Btw, you have spoken to it… the acting part in this realization couldn’t really convince…
You are welcome – of course . After all if I want my visitors to read some quality review ( other than mine ( : )yours are the best around to look at. I have seen better remakes – but then again as musicales
i’m srry to say that i totally disagree with you.
i think that the whole movie was fantastic and ALL of the characters were convincing. i have read the book and seen the movie and i had no problem at all asociating them both together, well the parts that were in the movie anyways.acctualy i would say quite the opposite of you and reccomend it to ppl for them to watch, it takes full account on the life style back in the 1800′s for all of the poor london ppl. if u think about it u would realize that every part of the story relates to real life back then for both classes of ppl.
once again i’m really n truly srry but i totally disagree with u.
i agree with english girl!!
i think roman’s version of oliver twist was amazing and did capture the essence of the time period. i would also reccomend it for anyone who hasn’t seen it. it is well acted and pulls u in deep.
well we are all intitled to our own opinion but in this case skykid i think ur wrong n u shouldn’t go round telling ppl not to see it just because u didn’t happen to like it. by doing that ur stopping other ppl from thinking for themselves or having their own opinion to something.
over all thought it was great and ur wrong skykid
Everyone is free to have his own opinion – mine is expressed on my blog – but I am not stopping people from expressing theirs via comments – just like yours
cheer chick . But have you seen the musicale ? Which version you consider a better one ?
( btw you and english girl share the same ip- coincidence may be ….or not ?)
I think that Skykid certainly managed to express his personal impression truthfully – in marked contrast to you; english girl and/or cheer chick. Or why would you support your own post by answering under another pseudonyme… ?
Try to be serious. And also to improve on your writing. Why would you not write “people”, “you” or “sorry” ? It are just 2 or 3 letters more; it would be way better readable.
I certainly agree with Skykid – everyone has his own opinion. So can certainly not just say that he is “wrong”, by saying you opinion is the more validly one…
You have read the book, that’s great – try to catch the other filmic realizations also; before judging too quick.
Greetings,
ikarusvpn
this is the best Oliver Twist movie …even better than the old one….everything was perfect except the ending was not perfectly complete….overall a great movie…old man! you made me cry…:( 10/10