An expertly crafted film that allows the daily activities of a pizza delivery man to depict the complicated social structure of modern-day Iran, CRIMSON GOLD is directed by Jafar Panahi (THE CIRCLE) from a screenplay by Abbas Kiarostami (TASTE OF CHERRY). Following Hussein (Hussein Emadeddin) through late nights riding his motor scooter out of the ghetto and into the ritziest neighborhoods of Tehran on his delivery route, and his daytimes plotting a jewelry store heist with his coworker Ali (Kamyar Sheissi), the film is dumbfoundingly simple to the naked eye. However, its bizarre and constant class-conflict situations are fascinating, a truly bizarre puzzle that Hussein responds to with seasoned nonchalance. On one occasion, delivering a pizza to the 18th floor of a high rise, he meets a young, spoiled rich man (Pourang Nakhayi), who lived in America until just recently, and invites Hussein to share dinner with him in his luxurious home. Though it is clear that Hussein's difficult life as compared to this man's--who did nothing to earn his financial status--is enough to make one's blood boil with resentment, Hussein is content to appreciate the newness of the man's home and the remarkable view from his windows. The shocking conclusion to the film comes into stark contrast with Hussein's otherwise patient and kind understanding of the class rifts in Tehran, admitting that even the kindest and most morally upstanding souls have a breaking point.
Theatrical Release: January 16, 2004 (NY)
January 30, 2004 (LA)
This movie screened in October 2003 as part of the 41st New York Film Festival organized by the Film Society of Lincoln Center.
DVD Features:
Region [unknown]
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.66
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound - Farsi
Additional Release Material:
Interviews
Trailer
Director of Photography
Hossain Jafarian: Director of Photography, CRIMSON GOLD (2003)
Review 1:
"The major motifs of CRIMSON GOLD could belong equally to Kiarostami or Panahi....CRIMSON GOLD is the work of two sensibilities alike..."
Source: Film Comment
p.73-4 01/01/2004
Review 2:
"[T]erse and devastating..."
Source: Los Angeles Times
p.E20 01/15/2004
Review 3:
"CRIMSON GOLD is a fable of money as the root of jealousy, discord, violence."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.124 02/06/2004
Review 4:
"The success of CRIMSON GOLD depends to an intriguing degree on the performance of its leading actor..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.33 04/16/2004
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