Oliver Twist

2005

Oliver Twist

Critics 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.

61%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 142

63%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 23,280
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Movie Info

Director Roman Polanski gives one of Charles Dickens' best-loved stories a new and dynamic interpretation in this period drama. Oliver Twist (Barney Clark) is a young orphan in Victorian England who has been sent to a dank workhouse run by the miserly Mr. Bumble (Jeremy Swift) when it is learned there is no one to care for him. When Oliver dares to ask for more gruel, he is sent away to live with an undertaker, who treats him poorly. Preferring life on the streets to the treatment he's been receiving, Oliver runs away to London, where he falls in with the Artful Dodger (Harry Eden), a youthful pickpocket. The Artful Dodger is one of a gang of young thieves overseen by Fagin (Ben Kingsley), a paternal but sinister criminal mastermind. While Oliver finds a home of sorts with Fagin and his young cohorts, he also falls into a dangerous life made all the more threatening by the presence of Fagin's menacing overlord, Bill Sykes (Jamie Foreman). Oliver Twist was Polanski's first feature film after enjoying a major career resurgence following the international success of his Oscar-winning World War II drama The Pianist. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (for disturbing images)
  • Genre:
    Drama, Kids & Family
  • Directed By:
    Roman Polanski
  • Written By:
    Ronald Harwood
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Box Office:
    $1,987,287
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Sony Pictures

Cast

Ben Kingsley
as Fagin
Barney Clark
as Oliver Twist
Leanne Rowe
as Nancy
Mark Strong (II)
as Toby Crackit
Jamie Foreman
as Bill Sykes
Harry Eden
as Artful Dodger
Edward Hardwicke
as Mr. Brownlow
Ian McNeice
as Mr. Limbkins
Jeremy Swift
as Mr. Bumble
Frances Cuka
as Mrs. Bedwin
Michael Heath
as Mr. Sowerberry
Gillian Hanna
as Mrs. Sowerberry
Alun Armstrong
as Magistrate Fang
Andy de la Tour
as Workhouse Master
Andrew de la Tour
as Workhouse Master
Peter Copley
as Dining Hall Master
Andreas Papadopoulos
as Workhouse Boy
Laurie Athey
as Workhouse Boy
Filip Hess
as Workhouse Boy
Lewis Chase
as Charley Bates
Jack Curran
as Barney
Chris Overton
as Noah Claypole
Richard Durden
as Unkind Board Member
Timothy Bateson
as Parson
Joseph Tremain
as Hungry Boy
Andy Linden
as Mr. Garmfield
John Nettleton
as First Magistrate
Tony Noble
as Second Magistrate
Teresa Churcher
as Charlotte
Gerard Horan
as Farmer
Morgane Polanski
as Farmer's Daughter
Liz Smith
as Old Woman
Levi Hayes
as Nicky
Ophelia Lovibond
as Bet
Elvis Polanski
as Boy with Hoop
Patrick Godfrey
as Bookseller
Anezka Novak
as Woman in Street
Andy Camm
as Policeman
Frank Mills
as Elderly Officer
Turbo
as Bullseye
David Meeking
as Policeman in Court
Paul Brooke
as Mr. Grimwig
Kaeren Revell
as Other Woman in Street
Andrea Miltner
as Other Woman in Street
Kay Raven
as Woman at Window
Lizzy Le Quesne
as Barmaid
Robert Orr
as Man in Pub
Paul Eden
as Barman
Nick Stringer
as Insp. Blather
James Babson
as Policeman
Richard Ridings
as Warder
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Critic Reviews for Oliver Twist

All Critics (142) | Top Critics (39) | Fresh (86) | Rotten (56)

View All Critic Reviews (142)

Audience Reviews for Oliver Twist

  • Feb 07, 2011
    I somehow overlooked that Roman Polanski made this movie. It is interesting that Dickins' Oliver is the same age in the novel as Polanski was in 1943 when he was left in the Krakow ghetto. Dickins was sent to a workhouse at a similar age. Despite success later in life, none of them were able to put those horrors behind them. What is particularly interesting about Polanski's film is the idea that some people who may be bad or viewed as bad can do good things and be kind.
    Juli R Super Reviewer
  • Jul 15, 2010
    a bit more magical than the david lean version, assist by ben kingsley for being so damn good as fagin. only thing is i'm not interested in the oliver twist story. i'm sure to a fan of the book/story it's the dogs bollocks but to me it's very take it or leave it
    Sanity Assassin ! Super Reviewer
  • Feb 05, 2010
    Being opposed to any Oliver! musicals, I found Roman Polanski's gritty re-telling of the beloved Dickens tale very enjoyable. Oliver Twist offers a realistic vision of Victorian-era England, engagaing story-telling and a fantastic cast. Polanski's skillful direction transforms the well-known story into a dark and absorbing tale that faithfully reflects Dicken's novel. Ben Kingsley is well-suited and gives an enjoyable performance as Fagin, Jamie Foreman gives a fearful portrayal as the books' baddie Bill Sikes, Barney Clark is tremendous as the pitiable title character that gives warmth and hope to the dark tale. If you're a die-hard fan of the musical then you probably won't enjoy but if you're a film lover who can appreciate a legendary film-maker's audacious re-telling then sit back and enjoy.
    Shauna R Super Reviewer
  • Dec 19, 2009
    A great Movie based upon Charles Dickens Novel.
    Wahida K Super Reviewer
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