Sand Castle

In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq, a conflict that would become one of the longest wars in American history. The film "Sand Castle" is a poignant and powerful portrayal of the human cost of war and the complexities of occupation. Directed by Fernando Coimbra, this 2017 drama is centered around the experiences of a group of young American soldiers stationed in a small, rural village in Iraq. The film takes place during the early years of the occupation, when the US military was still grappling with the reality of being an occupying force in a foreign country. A young lieutenant, Rafe (played by Nicholas Hoult), is tasked with overseeing a small team of soldiers who are tasked with rebuilding a village near the Tigris River. The team, led by Lieutenant Rafe, consists of a diverse group of soldiers, each with their own unique personality and set of experiences. At first, the team is driven by a sense of duty and patriotism, believing they are part of a historic mission to bring democracy and freedom to the Iraqi people. However, as they settle into their new surroundings, they begin to realize the harsh realities of war. The villagers are wary of them, and many are hostile, having lived through the trauma of Saddam Hussein's regime and the chaos of the occupation. Their mission is to build a sandcastle-like water purification system, hence the title, which is to filter clean water for the villagers. However, they soon discover that the water project will not be a straightforward task, and they must navigate the complexities of local politics, bureaucracy, and cultural norms. As the team tries to implement their plan, they encounter numerous setbacks and challenges. They are hampered by inadequate resources, poor equipment, and a lack of understanding of the local culture. Additionally, they must contend with the ever-present threat of the enemy and the strain of living in a war zone. Despite these challenges, the team perseveres, driven by their sense of duty and their desire to make a positive impact on the village. They form tentative relationships with some of the villagers, including an elderly woman named Samir, who takes it upon herself to help the soldiers navigate the local customs and politics. However, the team's efforts are ultimately overshadowed by the chaos and destruction that surrounds them. They are witness to brutal attacks by insurgents, and the villagers themselves must navigate the ever-present risk of being caught in the crossfire. As the days turn into weeks, the team begins to realize that their mission is not just about building a water purification system, but also about coping with the psychological toll of war. The film is a poignant and thought-provoking portrayal of the human cost of war, and the complexities of occupation. Through their characters, Coimbra explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the struggle to maintain one's humanity in the face of extreme circumstances. The performances are nuanced and raw, capturing the fragility and vulnerability of the soldiers as they grapple with the harsh realities of war. Ultimately, "Sand Castle" is a film about the resilience of the human spirit, and the capacity for individuals to form connections and find meaning even in the darkest of circumstances. While it is a powerful portrayal of the US occupation of Iraq, it is also a universal story about the human experience, and the ways in which we respond to trauma and adversity. As the team prepares to leave the village, they are left with a sense of uncertainty and doubt. They have made a positive impact on the village, but at what cost? They have seen the worst of humanity, and have been forever changed by their experiences. However, they have also discovered a sense of purpose and meaning, and a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of the human experience.