The Milagro Beanfield War (1988)

Robert Redford has accomplished much in his lifetime. To his credit is a long list of proud achievements, such as Movie Star, Producer, director, he can now add social activist. Take this film for instance, it's called " The Milagro Beanfield War. " It arises from the John Nichols's novel and involves a small rural town in New Mexico. Having read the novel, I was much taken by the fact, it nearly mirrors the book throughly. The book itself tells the story of how a little New Mexican village is haunted by the spirit of an aging former resident with hopes of revitalizing it's inhabitants into saving their town. The Old man begins by influencing a dispirited farmer named Joe Mondragon (Chick Vennera) to take advantage of an accidental flooding of his family's bean field by a water control system belonging to a rich land developer. The town Sheriff, Bernabe Montoya (Ruben Blades), learns as do all the town's residents of the illegal irrigation, but are curious as to see what Ladd Devine (Richard Bradford) the powerful land baron will do in response. What follows is a escalating collection of serious missteps, comical responses and official repercussions. All in all the cast which includes John Heard, Daniel Stern and Christopher Walker do well to lift this incredible film effort to the shelf of notable Classics. In point of fact, Mr. Redford can add this entertaining movie to his monumental collection of social achievements . Well done! ****

It is interesting to compare the opening of The Milagro Beanfield War to Chocolat. The music is similar, there is an odd wind blowing throw the sleepy village. Both are about the transformation of a town, from a collection of individuals into a community. No matter how bad I feel, this movie never fails to cheer me up. Just the opening alone is enough to change my attitude: An old, unshaven man opens his eyes, looks around at his poor hovel, pulls himself out of bed slowly, moves with difficulty to a mirror, and says, "Thank you, God, for letting me have another day."Although made in 1988, it has a lesson for America in 2011. If we as a community come together we can save our country; if not, the powerful business interests will kill it. But everyone has excuses to not get involved. Sonya is trying to get the newspaper editor to talk at the town meeting, but he wants no part of it: "Talk to the people? I don't think so. Well, it's very hard to get people to agree on anything in this town. First there would be an argument, then there would be a fight. I don't think so."That's America, circa 2011. No one can agree on anything in this country. In 1988, there was still optimism that the people could win; now I'm not so sure. America is dying, like the town of Milagro. It will take a miracle to save it now. But miracles are possible. Remember Lake Placid?Please watch this movie. And watch Robert Redford's Lions for Lambs for an updated statement on the subject. If you are interested in a wonderful early work of Christopher Walken, see Who Am I This Time?

The tiny New Mexico town of Milagro is about to be taken over by developers. However farmer Joe Mondragon (Chick Vennera) builds a beanfield using their water. This sparks off a war that threatens to get more and dangerous between the developers and townspeople.This came (and went) very quickly in 1988. The only reason it was made at all was because director Robert Redford's previous film ("Ordinary People") had been a big hit and won multiple Oscars. The title alone probably turned away most moviegoers. That's too bad because this is a sweet, lyrical movie. It somehow manages to draw the viewer into this small town and the inhabitants and make you care and side with them. It helps that there is some simply gorgeous cinematography and it has an Oscar-winning score that perfectly matches the films mood and tone. Also there is a huge cast of American and Latino actors--all of them are just great! The beautiful Sonia Braga is on hand and takes a minor role and really brings it to life. Also there's a simply wonderful scene where John Heard tells off evil Christopher Walken (Walken's always dazed expression perfectly fits this scene). A one of a kind beautiful film.The films R rating is unnecessary. There's no nudity, sex and minor bloodless violence. There's a little swearing but it's casual and done so quickly you're not even aware of it. It deserves a PG-13. Worth catching but not for everybody.

It's not that often a movie comes around about nothing special and still it just works.Some scenes, and old man in a chair talking to....nobody.., well, manages to be great entertainment. Robert Redford really did a great job. People, pictures and atmosphere, everything just feels true and interesting. Sometimes you end up watching a movie with all the things lined up, big budget, big names and a great story and still end up feeling empty. This is the opposite. Moving and funny at once. A simple story about life and expectations maybe. This is what cinema is about.Regardless of genre, a great movie is a great movie and this is a really great movie. I waited years for it finally being available on DVD.