Oliver Twist (2005)

An adaption of the classic Dickens tale starring a straggly bearded Ben Kingsley as the stooped and crooked Fagin, supported by a number of TV actors relatively unknown outside of Britain.
There’s very little of the real Polanski on offer; it’s mostly bloodless and the violence is handled respectfully.
The kids are uninteresting which is not ideal in a film like this. Bill Sikes’ big moment is either badly presented or was heavily cut in my version.
What saves it are Kingsley’s ability to be both comedic and tragic and the passion of the young Nancy (played by Leanne Rowe).
Overall it's good but could've and should've been much better.

3 civil words from an avaricious old geezer out of 5