Oliver Twist (Roman Polanski’s)

Why Is Oliver Twist (Roman Polanski’s) Rated PG-13?

Not shying away from the darker elements of Charles Dickens’ novel, Roman Polanski’s film depicts the dangerous side of the den of thieves the young orphan falls into. Oliver faces constant verbal and physical threats, canings, bulling, and food depravation. Other characters are similarly treated. A sense of the boy’s peril is felt when he is forced to commit crimes against his will. An ugly, infected gunshot wound is seen, as well as the painful effects of treating it with alcohol. A murder takes place off screen, but blood splattering and pooling are depicted. A man dies of hanging and his lifeless body is shown. A character, facing the prospect of execution, is portrayed as losing his mind. A few mild profanities are used. Drinking and smoking are prevalent, even among the young boys Fagin exploits. Sexual content is limited to low-cut bodices on the dresses of female characters, and some background, non-explicit depictions of ladies of the night.