Watch Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist is a 2005 film adaptation of Charles Dickens' famous novel of the same name. Directed by Roman Polanski, the film stars Barney Clark as the titular character and features an impressive cast, including Ben Kingsley as Fagin and Jeremy Swift as Mr. Bumble. Set in Victorian England, the film tells the story of a young orphan boy named Oliver Twist who is left without parents and forced to face the harsh realities of life on the streets. After escaping from a workhouse, Oliver finds himself taken in by Fagin, a criminal who runs a gang of young pickpockets.

As Oliver becomes more deeply immersed in this world of crime, he begins to learn the truth about his past and the forces that led him to this point in his life. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, from the gentle-hearted Nancy (Leanne Rowe) to the brutal Bill Sikes (Jamie Foreman).

The film is a faithful adaptation of the original novel, capturing much of the spirit and tone of Dickens' work. The cinematography is particularly impressive, with richly detailed sets and costumes bringing the period setting to life. At the same time, the film never loses sight of its focus on character and story, and remains engaging throughout its runtime.

At the center of it all is Barney Clark's performance as Oliver Twist. Despite being relatively unknown when the film was made, Clark gives a captivating performance that perfectly captures the spirit of the character. He convincingly portrays both the innocent naiveté of the young boy and the inner strength that allows him to survive in the face of adversity.

Ben Kingsley is equally impressive as Fagin, giving a nuanced portrayal of a complicated character who is both a criminal and a mentor to the young pickpockets under his care. Jeremy Swift is also excellent as the simpering and self-important Mr. Bumble, bringing a comic touch to the film's more lighthearted moments.

The film's pacing is well-executed, with the story moving along at a brisk clip while never feeling rushed. The filmmakers strike a nice balance between the darker elements of the story and moments of humor and warmth, making for an enjoyable viewing experience that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

Despite its adherence to the source material, the film does take some liberties with the story. For example, the ending differs slightly from the original novel, though it still maintains the central themes and message. However, these changes are never distracting or detrimental to the overall quality of the film.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its visual style. The sets and costumes are meticulously crafted, with every detail working to create a believable world that transports the viewer back to Victorian England. The filmmakers also make use of a muted color palette and atmospheric lighting to create a sense of mood and atmosphere.

Overall, Oliver Twist is a compelling and well-executed adaptation of a beloved classic. With strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and a faithful adherence to the source material, the film is a must-see for fans of Dickens' work or anyone looking for a well-crafted period piece.

Oliver Twist is a 2005 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 65.