Review of Crimson Gold (2003) by Laura B — 13 Dec 2008

While I don't think this is necessarily Panahi's best work, it is a raw and necessary piece of social realism. There is no doubt that Panahi is one of the most important directors in Iran, documenting social injustices, the claustrophobia of modern existence (which he does so well with his shots, even exterior shots), and following ordinary characters through long, tedious, and often uncomfortable scenes.

This is perhaps Panahi's best talent as a director: he is able to make the viewer just as increasingly uncomfortable as his characters, to chilling effect.