Roman Polanski's version of Oliver Twist is by far the most colorful, brooding, ominous and realistic film presentation of this famous Charles Dickens novel. I was wrapped up in the story from the opening scene to the very end. Sympathizing with Oliver's plight immediately, I became swept up in the story, the scenery, the performances and Polanski's expert direction.

Polanski must have channeled Dickens himself. He obviously felt a kinship with Oliver Twist. Having survived the Holocaust, Polanski was an excellent choice to direct a story of one boy's determination to survive and overcome being an orphan left to navigate the tough London streets. Taking his personal experience and applying it to every scene in this beautiful film, Polanski wrenches the last teardrop out of you before he lets you go.

Because his father was locked up for failure to pay bills, Dickens himself had a brutal childhood. At age 12 the writer had to work in a factory, negotiate tough streets and saw the effects of street life on children his age. Polanski must have sensed that, then interjected elements of Dickens' life -- as well as his own -- into the film.

As in previous versions of the film, orphan Oliver (Barney Clark) angers his keepers by asking for a bigger portion of food. The people in charge see this request as selfish. One observes that the child will be hung if he does not manage to avoid annoying elders. Believing Oliver may cause more trouble in the future, the orphanage supervisors sell him as a workboy. 

We then see Oliver after he escapes from his new owner. He's sitting on a porch in a London street. This is where he meets the Artful Dodger (Harry Eden), a skilled thief who realizes he may have found a potential new member for the gang he belongs to -- a group of youngsters led by the eccentric Fagin (Ben Kingsley). It's great fun watching Kingsley interact with the children as Fagin, especially considering both Eden and Clark report being afraid of the actor because he stayed in character all during filming. 

One of the best scenes in the film is a choreographed sequence explaining to Oliver how to pickpocket and not get caught. Just like a magic show, one never knows where the stolen goods are. It's a particularly humorous scene with Kingsley leading the way and the boys all lining up in formation. Because Oliver is incredibly small for his age, he's able to dart in and out of an area quickly. That's why Fagin sees him as so valuable to his underhanded business. 

Later, Oliver escapes again. He meets Mr. Brownlow (Edward Hardwicke) and his wife who take him in, provide him with the best clothes and try to educate him. Unfortunately, when Oliver is sent on an errand, he's abducted by Fagin's friends Nancy (Leanne Rowe) and Bill Sykes (Jamie Foreman). Sykes is the only true danger to Oliver's existence and survival. Nancy, who's fond of Oliver, knows he's about to be set up and killed because of Sykes' jealousy. Can she save him?

This film is incredibly dark and intense. Sometimes meanspirited, it deals with deep anger and underlying  resentment. It shows realistic violence and graphic depictions of hangings as well as a character bludgeoned to death with blood oozing under the apartment door. 

With Oliver Twist, Polanski transports us back to 19th century London and brilliantly retells the story of Dickens' novel in one of the best films of the year.

(Released by Sony Pictures and rated "PG-13" for disturbing images.)