Every war spawns a whole host of books and films, and the second war in Iraq is no exception. Most, though, focus on the relationships among those who fight. 'Marza,' a film written, directed and produced by former Marine Regan A. Young is a film with a difference. The story of a cynical, battle-hardened Marine sergeant (played by Josh Ansley) who meets and befriends a quizzical, precocious young Iraqi girl, Marza (Claire Geare) who likes chicken and ice cream shows us the human side of war that is seldom portrayed. Sergeant John Whitacre is a man who has seen much war, and as a result has a decidedly dark view of life in general. Marza pulls him out of his funk in ways he could never have anticipated, and teaches him to feel again. This is a film that has both dark and light moments – and enough death to lift it from the category of a mood movie and firmly into the 'war' category. Young, a veteran of tours in Iraq, writes and directs this short film with a sense of awareness of the realities of war that most in the business lack. Moreover, he takes us into the depths of emotions that run rampant when death is a constant companion, and shows that even at the darkest hours, there is a glimmer of light and hope. If 'Marza' doesn't get an award for best short, independent film of 2014, there is no justice. And, if you can watch it with dry eyes, I'd suggest an immediate trip to an ophthalmologist, because your tear ducts are defective.
