Review of Oliver Twist (2005) by David Klein — 28 Dec 2008

As a virgin to this particular Dicken's tale I found in Polanski's take a welcome entry vehicle to the classic -- showing a true representation of the what the tale has to offer. Where other interpretations have always come across smaltzy, panto-ey and in the case of the musical - sickening - I found myself willing to commit the time to this film.

And a cracker it is! The title role is played in an understated, subtle yet fully engrossing way that really puts you into the film's heart. Meanwhile Prague as a setting is suitably dark and dank if not a little clean for London :p Tense, heartwarming, saddening and full of Dicken's magic -- this is an interpretation not to be missed.