Crimson Gold (Alternate Cover)
by Jafar Panahi
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Azita Rayeji, Ehsan Amani, Hossain Emadeddin, Kamyar Sheisi, Shahram VaziriDirector: Jafar Panahi
Cinematographer: Hossein Jafarian
Editor: Jafar Panahi
Producer: Jafar Panahi
Writer: Abbas Kiarostami
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Subtitled); Persian (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.66:1
Running Time: 95 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-07-20
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Fox Lorber
Movie Reviews of Crimson Gold (Alternate Cover)
Movie Review: A Fantastic Masterpiece Of Cinema!
Summary: 5 Stars
I first saw this film a couple of years ago on a whim. I have not seen very many films from the Middle East, however, the ones I have seen have been very good. This film captured me, and pulled me right in. It may not appeal to many viewers whose idea of films are lots of action and gore. But for those viewers who like films about life and drama: and life in particular, this is one great film not to be missed. The story unfolds about the life of one individual named Hussein (Hossain Emadeddin). He is a veteran of the Iran/Irag war. A bloody war which many historians have called the 'trench warfare' of the late 20th century. Not since WWI was there such a slaughter between two armies in the trenches. Hussein is a survivor of this war. And he is now a disillusioned veteran who delivers pizza's for a living: And for Hussein, as a pizza deliveryman handing out pizzas in neighborhoods he will never live in, due to his social status, life for him will take a very sad detour.
Moreover, Hussein, a heavy set man, is also undergoing cortisone shots for his war injuries. His best friend is named Ali (Kamyar Sheissi), and it is Ali's sister that Hussein is engaged to be married to. However, Ali is a petty thief. During one of Ali's purse snatchings however, he comes across a receipt for an expensive necklace. They both decide to visit the store, however, the both feel resentment when the store owner refuses to allow them in due to their attire. Seeing the way the store owner caters to the other rich clients, and his wariness of these two poorer men, they both seethe with inner resentment. A resentment which will only deepen as the film progresses: Eventually leading to Hussein attempting to rob the store.
But what really pushes Hussein over the edge in robbing the store, is when he is treated indifferent by the police while delivering pizzas. Moreover, the final nail is when he delivers pizzas to a rich customer at a penthouse. The occupant of the penthouse is visiting Iran, whose parents happen to be in the USA. Hussein sees the wealth of this upper social class, and feels even greater resentment. The tenant of the building (Pourang Nakaheal) gives a good performance as one who is used to good things. When Hussein walks about the penthouse he is amazed at what he sees. A life he will never know, yet longs for. While sitting on the roof, he sees a beautiful swimming pool, and jumping in, clothes and all, he gazes at the city below. Hussein has been a walking time bomb for quite some time. And it is in part because of the events that unfolded the previous day. This is a great film, and I could not help feeling empathy for Hussein, and the life he lived. A highly recommended film. [Stars: 5+]
Summary of Crimson Gold (Alternate Cover)
Award-winning filmmaker Jafar Panahi's (The White Balloon, The Circle) latest triumph is an intimate and absorbing drama about the ways in which the hypocrisies and slights of daily life can push otherwise reasonable people over the edge. Based on true events and written by acclaimed director Abbas Kiarostami (A Taste of Cherry), CRIMSON GOLD is the story of Hussein, a humble pizza deliveryman who feels continually humiliated by the injustices he sees all around him. When his friend Ali finds a receipt for a stranger's necklace purchase, Hussein is stunned by its exceptionally high cost. He knows that his pitiful salary will never be enough to afford such a luxury. Soon after, he and Ali are refused entry to an uptown jewelry store because of their scruffy appearances; his rage over this slight sets off a series of events. But Hussein will taste the luxurious life for one night before his deep feelings of humiliation push him over the edge. DVD extras include: 5.1, trailer, subtitle control, weblinks, Interview with director Jafar PanahiTwo master filmmakers, Abba Kiarostami (A Taste of Cherry) and Jafar Panahi (The Circle), team up as writer and director, respectively (as they did on 1996's The White Balloon), on Crimson Gold, a subtle tragedy about class conflict in Iran. Hussein (Hossain Emadeddin) is a lumbering veteran swollen by cortisone (for war-induced pain) and reduced to delivering pizzas at night. (He is frequently lost in a mental semi-fog during the days.) Witness to the rewards and vanities of the wealthy, insulted when a jewelry shop owner won't allow him in his store, and under pressure to get married, Hussein awkwardly aspires for higher ground but is more familiar with a life of marginal importance. When an eccentric socialite gives him a taste of luxury, something desperate is unleashed. Panahi brings his feel for and vision of the expansive ordinary, for the near-invisible forces churning within characters in seemingly throwaway circumstances. A haunting film. --Tom Keogh
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