Crimson Gold 2003

The film commences with a pivotal moment inside a jeweler’s shop, where the protagonist, Hossein (played by), is seemingly attempting to orchestrate a heist. As tensions escalate, Hossein resorts to force, demanding that The Jeweler relinquish the key to the safe at gunpoint. However, The Jeweler refuses to comply, inadvertently triggering the alarm system. In a stunning turn of events, Hossein takes matters into his own hands and takes the life of The Jeweler, ultimately deciding to end his own life as well. This fateful event sets the stage for the remainder of the movie, which delves into the intricate narrative of Hossein’s story.

The narrative shifts gears, flashing back to a pivotal scene two days prior to Hossein’s ill-fated robbery attempt. His confidant and partner-in-crime, Ali, arrives at his doorstep, bearing news that all has been cleared for Hossein to marry Ali’s sister, affectionately referred to as “The Bride” in the credits. Ali also empties a purse he had pilfered earlier, revealing meager contents save for a crucial piece of paper containing the address of a jeweler’s shop and a staggering figure of 75 million tomans. As they converse, a cunning con artist, known as The Man in the Tea House (played by), eavesdrops on their conversation and regales them with tales of his profession as a pickpocket. Hossein, sensitive to his social standing, is taken aback by the con artist’s assumption that he and Ali are mere thieves. However, the con artist makes a poignant remark that resonates as a universal truth: “If you want to arrest a thief, you’ll have to arrest the world.” This insightful comment lingers, foreshadowing the events that will unfold.

As the night wears on, Hossein reports for duty as a pizza delivery man. It becomes apparent that he is struggling with mental stability issues stemming from his war experiences, medication, or a combination of both. His first delivery takes him to the doorstep of a former war buddy, who compensates him with an oversized tip out of sympathy. His next destination is a raucous block party in one of Tehran’s affluent districts, which has been cordoned off by the police. Despite the efforts to deter him from making the delivery, Hossein offers slices to various law enforcement officials, soldiers, and detainees at the scene. It isn’t until the police chief takes a slice that anyone else will accept the offering, highlighting the power dynamics at play.

As morning breaks, Hossein (actor name), Ali, and The Bride (actor name) don their finest attire, gaining entry to the jeweler’s shop with its dazzling array of treasures. However, as they browse through the extravagant jewelry, it becomes painfully clear that such opulence is far beyond their humble means. Hossein spends this time waiting for The Jeweler to arrive, his eyes fixed on the man with an air of anticipation. When The Jeweler finally appears, he treats the trio with the same condescending sneer as before, recommending they visit a pawnshop to acquire handcrafted gold that can be easily liquidated in times of need – a not-so-subtle reminder of their social standing. Disgusted by the encounter, Hossein takes The Bride home and later returns himself.

Upon arriving at his apartment, it becomes starkly apparent how drastically different his living arrangements are from those of his clients. With a heavy sigh, Hossein settles onto his bed, drifting off to sleep for a while. He is abruptly wakened by the sound of police activity nearby – the cries of a man protesting his innocence as he’s dragged away by officers paying him no heed. This poignant display serves as another stark illustration of the class divide, this time highlighting the disparate treatment of the wealthy and the poor at the hands of the authorities.

That night, Hossein is back on pizza delivery duty, navigating the treacherous streets of Tehran under the cover of darkness. As he approaches his destination, a fellow pizza courier’s lifeless body lies strewn across the pavement – a grim reminder of the perils that lurk in the city’s nighttime highways.

Hossein arrives at The Rich Man’s (actor name) extravagant abode, nestled deep within an affluent neighborhood. This is exemplified by the pair of women clad in Western attire descending from above as Hossein makes his way up – a sight uncommon in less prosperous areas. Upon entering the opulent apartment, Hossein is warmly welcomed and soon finds himself indulging in its many luxuries: a refreshing shave, a leisurely swim, and a chance to unwind amidst the lavish surroundings.

As the night wears on, with The Rich Man occupied by a phone call with one of the young women, Hossein takes advantage of the situation to explore the apartment further. Later, with his inhibitions lowered by drink, he steps out onto the balcony, taking in the breathtaking vista of the city below, bathed in the soft glow of night.

As dawn breaks, the jeweler’s shop reopens its doors, only to be breached once more by the imposing figure of Hossein. With a menacing glint in his eye and a firearm at the ready, he storms into the establishment, his demands as sharp as the diamonds on display. Initially, The Jeweler (resolute in her refusal to be intimidated) stands firm against Hossein’s initial request for a specific piece of jewelry, but the would-be thief quickly recalibrates his strategy, fixating instead on the key to the shop’s safe. This calculated move serves as a haunting echo of the film’s opening sequence, where Hossein’s desperation ultimately led him down a path of self-destruction.