The performances (as you'd expect in a Polanski film) are pitch perfect, the cinematography is beautiful and the script is great, I think the reason why this flopped was because it was much too dark for families and Oliver Twist is considered to be a family story probably thanks to the 1968 Carol Reed musical though in reality the Dickens book is quite dark and certainly not aimed at kids. Definitely underrated.
share... I had'nt realized it flopped ... I adore this movie. It's one of my 'go to' movies as it just totally brought the book to life.
It had to be 'dark & scary' but ... I think it's definitely a family movie ... but maybe kids at least 8... or 9?
My kids are grown ... but I had'nt actually thought of this movie in terms of small children watching it ... I'm unsure of age appropriateness for this film ...
I am however shocked at what many small tots are allowed to view on TV & internet, (or hear in music) by permission or sheer neglect ... compared to the cussin', blatant sex, & gory violence that passes as 'PG-13', Oliver Twist is mild ...
A bit of trivia:
Roman Polanski's small son is in the scene which shows Oliver's first trip out on the street with the wiser boys to watch how they 'work'. Roman's son is the blue capped young boy which the mentors 'bully' for a moment as they scan the street for pockets to pick.