Sand Castle

Sand Castle

Year: 2017

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Fernando Coimbra

DramaWar

In scorching 2003 Iraq, Private Matt Ocre (Nicholas Hoult) faces the brutal reality of war as he joins a team to repair a bombed water station. Amidst seething resentment and anger, Ocre's innocence is shattered as he navigates treacherous streets, squares, and schools, exposing the devastating human toll of conflict.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Sand Castle yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Sand Castle (2017)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Sand Castle (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2003

The film is set during the early stages of the Iraq War, which began in 2003. This period was marked by intense military actions and rebuilding efforts in the post-Saddam era, with soldiers facing challenging situations as they attempted to establish order and support local communities amidst chaos.

Location

Baghdad, Baqubah

The movie takes place in Baghdad and the village of Baqubah, both significant in the context of the Iraq War. Baghdad is the capital city, known for its rich history and culture but has been marred by conflict and strife. Baqubah, on the other hand, is a smaller village that became a focal point for military operations and local struggles during the war.

🏙️ City 🌍 Iraq

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:10

Main Characters – Sand Castle (2017)
Meet the key characters of Sand Castle (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Matt Ocre

Pvt. Matt Ocre is a young civil affairs soldier whose primary motivation for enlisting was to fund his college education. As he finds himself in the turmoil of war, he grapples with the harsh realities of combat and its impact on his ideals. Ocre showcases a blend of naivety and determination, as he strives to make a difference in the lives of the Iraqi people.

🪖 Soldier 📚 Idealism

Dylan Chutsky

Sgt. Dylan Chutsky stands out as a capable leader within Ocre's unit. He is decisive and quick to act, exemplified when he calls for a helicopter strike against a threatening sniper. Chutsky's character portrays the complexities of military leadership in high-stress situations, balancing the need for action with the safety of his men.

🪖 Leader 💪 Strength

Cpt. Syverson

Cpt. Syverson plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts between the Army and local civilians. His character navigates the challenges of military operations while understanding the significance of local partnerships. Syverson embodies the determination needed to achieve successful outcomes amidst adversity.

🪖 Captain 🌟 Leadership

Kadeer

Kadeer, the local school administrator, serves as a vital connection between the U.S. soldiers and the village community. His character represents the hopes of the locals for better living conditions and support during the war. Unfortunately, his tragic fate underscores the perils faced by those who engage with the military.

📚 Educator 🚸 Local Leader

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:10

Major Themes – Sand Castle (2017)
Explore the central themes of Sand Castle (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Sacrifice

The theme of sacrifice pervades the story, showcasing the personal costs faced by soldiers and civilians alike during wartime. Characters endure physical and emotional strain as they navigate the complexities of combat and humanitarian efforts. The tragic outcomes for both American soldiers and the Iraqi locals highlight the harsh realities of war.

🤝 Collaboration

Collaboration emerges as a critical theme, emphasizing the need for partnership between military forces and local communities. The relationship between U.S. soldiers and Iraqi locals showcases moments of trust and unity despite the backdrop of conflict. It underscores the importance of engaging with the community for successful missions and rebuilding efforts.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:10

Similar Movies to Sand Castle
Discover movies like Sand Castle that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.