THANKFULLY, this is one adaptation of a classic tale that will not have its writer, storytelling genius Charles Dickens, turning in his grave.

Director Roman Polanski has stayed relatively true to the original text and has expertly captured a seedy world where children are dragged into a life of crime because they have nowhere else to turn.

For those who don't know the plot, it concerns a young orphan boy, named Oliver Twist by his orphanage wardens. The story is basically Oliver's life of rags to riches, back to rags, and finally ending in riches.

The title role is portrayed superbly by Barney Clark and Ben Kinglsey is outstanding as Fagin, the leader of an infamous gang of London pickpockets Oliver becomes entwined with.

The most disappointing performance was from Jamie Foreman playing Bill Sykes. Reading the book as a child, Sykes terrified me with his horrific violence towards his kind-hearted partner Nancy and his apparent hatred for others, whether they be man, woman, child or beast. But Foreman just didn't pull it off. His Sykes was wholly repugnant but the fear factor just wasn't there.

Oliver Twist is a story of greed, extreme violence and utter desperation, perhaps if this film was not aimed at family viewing, some of this could have been portrayed in a more harsh, realistic manner.

HC