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Short summary

Based on a true story, 'Marza' is about a despondent U.S. Marine, Sergeant Whitacre, whose cynical perspective and dreary disposition on life are inherently enriched after befriending a quizzical, 6-year-old Afghan girl: Marza. When he tells his fellow Marines that he went off-base, they remind him that it isn't safe. PFC Garcia, the platoon's new, "boot" Marine, receives a disheartening awakening as he discovers why the other Marines feel the need to warn Sgt Whitacre, a Marine he looks up to. Disregarding better judgment, Sgt Whitacre still leaves the wire anyway. When he sees Marza again, he gets to meet her sisters, Parwana and Khorshid, never once thinking their courage would change his life forever. A film that documents uncommon valor, unlikely friendship, and ultimate sacrifice, 'Marza' shares the high cost of peace and the human side of war.

Inspired by a true story, real people, and actual events.

Mursal (Marza) means "Rose" in English.

Parwana means "Butterfly" in English.

Khorshid means "the Sun" in English.

Hawa means "Eve" in English.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Xwnaydan
    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.
  • Cast overview, first billed only:
    Josh Ansley Josh Ansley - Sgt John Whitacre
    Claire Geare Claire Geare - Marza
    Mykayla Sohn Mykayla Sohn - Parwana
    Taylor Geare Taylor Geare - Khorshid
    Isaac C. Singleton Jr. Isaac C. Singleton Jr. - GySgt Stone
    Adrian Zaw Adrian Zaw - Cpl Nguyen
    Sam Puefua Sam Puefua - Cpl Montgomery
    Eric Johnson Eric Johnson - Cpl Henderson
    Rafael Martinez Rafael Martinez - PFC Garcia
    Darius Paymai Darius Paymai - Mas
    Glenda Pannell Glenda Pannell - Bibi Hawa
    Farah Roya Farah Roya - Behishta
    Hannah Sohn Hannah Sohn - Rasa
    Jennifer Wiles Jennifer Wiles - Sgt Summers
    Richard Dimaio Richard Dimaio - SSgt Martin
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