"Crimson Gold" is a gripping and unsettling Iranian film that captures and evokes profound feelings of alienation and ennui. It’s the story of a frustrated pizza deliveryman whose life takes a tragic turn when he tries to pull off a robbery. It was inspired by the real life story of a formerly law abiding war veteran/pizza driver in Tehran who turned into a robber/murderer.

The screenplay was written by the acclaimed world-class film maker/poet, Abbas Kiarostami. He made a string of critically acclaimed films including, " Through the Olive Trees (1994)," "The Wind Will Carry Us (1999)," and "Ten (2002)."

But his screenplay for "Crimson Gold" bears the most resemblance to the one he wrote for his masterpiece, "A Taste of Cherry." Both are about lonely men who suffer injustice and alienation and want to strike back.

The director, Jafar Panahi is also quite accomplished. He made "The White Balloon (1995)", one of the most charming children’s films of recent years, as well as the more mature, "The Circle (2000)."

"Crimson Gold" is practically a work of Neorealism. The storyline takes aim at economic inequality and the cast is filled with talented non-actors.

The main character, Hussein, a real schizophrenic pizza deliveryman named Hussein plays a disturbed pizza deliveryman character, so it’s no surprise that he is utterly convincing.

The film opens with a stunning four-minute violent scene, done in a camera steady shot. Hussein invades a jewelry store and first kills the owner then himself. The film then flashes back to give us the psychological rational needed to understand the seemingly random carnage.

It turns out that the formerly docile Hussein is engaged to his best friend’s sister. He goes to an elite jewelry store to examine the wares and is ejected because he doesn’t look wealthy. The shop owner insults Hussein for his working class attire.

Later on Hussein is also harassed by a heartless policeman. The cop won’t let him into a party, even though Hussein is supposed to deliver a pizza to one of the occupants. He ends up delivering a pizza to a wealthy man who seems to have everything yet he appreciates nothing.

The flashbacks help to develop and build Hussein’s character as the film builds to its satisfying conclusion.

"Crimson Gold" is a challenging film that succeeds in transporting us to a place that is alien yet eerily familiar. It works dramatically and succeeds in showing how some of the modern malaises may be universal.