Movies

Roman Polanski's film is an authoritative take on Dickens' classic. It is expertly paced, slowly immersing the viewer into the plight of the young orphan and its predicament in Victorian England. Through a meticulous period reconstruction, superb acting, and effective characterization (all the secondary characters are memorable), the typically Dickensian theme of the survival of Innocence against all odds is dramatized with utter conviction. The omission of the excessively melodramatic elements from the original story (Oliver's family back-story for instance) contributes greatly to the story's strength by minimizing any trace of implausibility or mawkishness, thus providing a wide-ranging portrait of the Victorian society with its intrinsic inequalities and its rather warped sense of justice. The visuals are splendid and the prevalent detached and non-judgmental approach to an easily emotive story is simply the signature of master director Roman Polanski, who is functioning here on top form.

Awesome movie. I am sure, people of all ages enjoyed the movie. Brilliant direction (well, it's Polanski, so there will be no mess), cinematography, acting and film-editing. But to me, the surprise was Ben Kingsley as Fagin. Man, what a stellar role he played in the movie. I can't forget it. He definitely should have been nominated for Osacr in Best Supporting actor role. Never felt the movie was 2hrs (+), as the movie drooled in an artistic yet visualistic way, as Dickens had written this masterpiece. I hope Dickens would have been surely happy (had he been alive; lol) to watch this movie. Great piece of work Polanski, I am a real fan of yours.