Customer Reviews

The Milagro Beanfield War

5 star:		(80)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Only Robert Redford's 2nd directorial effort, this film is purely from the heart. This is a true ensemble piece, worthy of Altman, and Redford's love of the land is quite appropriate. I was most impressed with the fact that this film is about Mexican/Native American types, and found no need for sex, drugs, blood or real violence (that stuff seems to prevail when regarding cultural differences). How refreshing. Foremost is the fact that this has a whimsical element of fantasy, and a quasi David/Goliath subtext. I was especially amused when the old man was playing chess with the Angel (a bit of Bergman, perhaps?). Aside from the gorgeous vistas of New Mexico, beautifully photographed, it is Dave Grusin's Oscar-winning score that is most intriguing (it's ONLY Oscar nomination). The lovely guitar of Angel Romero is prevalent throughout, adding to Grusin's 5/8 time with endless modulations, suggesting that this is a land that will go on forever. The acting is wonderful, without exception. The previous reviewers have all failed to mention how strong Chick Vennera was in the lead role. So very handsome, and so un-self-conscious. A wonderful performance. If there would be a second lead, it would have to be Carlos Riquelme as the old geezer that everyone thinks is nuts, but actually talks to Angels. Sonia Braga, John Heard, Daniel Stern, Nancy Mandragon, and especially, James Gammon, were all solid. I love this film a lot, because it really makes me feel good. And that music...it stays with you. Quite haunting. I recommend this film for families; no matter how poor you might be, financially, standing up for yourself and your integrity can make you rich beyond your wildest dreams.

This review refers to "The Milagro Beanfield War"....

Charming, feel good, witty, captivating, intriguing, delightful. These are just a few of the ways to describe this wonderful film. And that's just the story. The acting, the music, the direction and cinematography will all grab you from the first frame and not let go of you until the last, at which point you will wish there was more.

Milagro, New Mexico. Elev. 8400. A small and close knit town of families and friends, living and working together in hopes that someday they may actually pay off the balance on that washing machine(that doesn't work anyway). Jose (Chick Vennera) tries desperatly to get work with the new land development company that has just moved in on the town. There's going to be a golf course and beautiful homes built soon. No luck though, they will not hire the locals for these new jobs. Angered and frustrated, Jose takes a kick at the fixture that now blocks any water flow onto his land..oops...must of kicked something loose, water is now flowing(illegally) into his dried up beanfield, his once livelihood. He should really turn it off, shouldn't he? But he doesn't..and so it begins..."The Milagro Beanfield War". The poor townspeople must decide whether to take a stand together against the rich and powerful land developers. "Milagro" means miracle...just what this town will need!

The characters in this town will steal your heart, and have you rooting for them throughout the film. The fiesty Sonia Braga, who is Ruby the auto mechanic tries to work the apathetic town into standing up to what's right for them. Ruben Blades is marvelous as the town sherriff, caught between his loyalty and the law. A mesmerizning Carlos Riquelme is "Amarante", the elder of the town who is able to talk to and get advice from a delightful angel, and you won't want to miss one word of the conversations. Rounding the cast out nicely is John Heard, Daniel Stern, James Gammon, Melanie Griffith, and Christopher Walken, who adds his special touches as well.

Beautifully directed(as always) by Robert Redford, with a well deserved Academy Award winning score by Dave Grusin, one that really fits the mood of this film, and a story and characters you can really feel for, this is a not to be missed film.

Universal...PUHLEESE!....My tape is nearly worn out...A DVD of this film soon! Thanks.

Enjoy...Laurie

the music from this film can be found here:Migration

After his well-known, Academy Award-winning success with ORDINARY PEOPLE, Robert Redford directed the unheralded MILAGRO BEANFIELD WAR, a tale that speaks of the importance of the basics of life versus the onset of supposed progress, materialism and pride.

A small farmer makes the mistake of using water that isn't his to use in order to cultivate a parched and unproductive beanfield. Sonia Braga (STREETS OF LAREDO) stars as a mechanic in the farmer's New Mexico pueblo who supports the farmer and joins the "war" against the real estate developer who cares about nothing but himself and his profits. Ultimately the townspeople and the developers square off. You'll love the "hombre angel" that keeps popping up.

Enchantingly written THE MILAGRO BEANFIELD WAR is a wonderful film. Frankly, I'm surprised that it doesn't have a stronger following. A great cast includes Ruben Blades as the sheriff and Christopher Walken as a corrupt state police officer. A movie you'll watch again and again!


THE HORSEMAN

I typed up a review and do not know if I sent it, so I will resubmit. The movie was fantastic. Robert Redford accomplished something no other Director has been able to do. He depicted New Mexicans as they really are. I was born a Ohio State Buckeye but lived in Las Vegas, New Mexico from the age of three until I was fifteen. My mother is Hispanic and my father Anglo. My heart is New Mexican. I currently live in Columbus, Ohio but travel to New Mexico as often as I can. During my last three trips I have tried to obtain the Music to the movie, but have only come up with versions of some of the songs. The songs are truely New Mexican. This is the only problem I have with the Movie. No available Sound track. Can anyone give me information on how I can obtain the music to the film? Watching the movie and listening to the music places me back in New Mexico when I am feeling home sick. Once again, a fantastic film.

I have seen this movie many times and am continually struck by the skillful developement of the characters and introduction (for me) of the culture of New Mexico. Great plot, excellent acting, beautiful scenery - what more could you ask for?

The best things about the film: the soundtrack, the landscapes, the characterizations, and the excellent and honest portrayal of the serious or humorous situations that arise when people clash with other people. An entertaining story, somewhat serious in tone, about a man (Joe Mondragon) who one day -- in an act of thoughtlessness -- starts a rebellion against a wealthy land developer who threatens his hometown. The residents of the town are either with Mondragon or (mostly) against him. But all comes out well in the end, despite the many mishaps, the comedies and near tragedies. Among the characters in the film are a not so saintly angel come to help Mondragon in his stumbling efforts, an elderly man who speaks to the angel and any other ghosts he believes are nearby, a pet pig who causes havoc, and a sociologist come to study the culture who unwittingly gets caught up in the situation while also learning a great deal about the culture. There are young people and elderly, quiet persons and outspoken, odd individuals and frustrated ones. The film has some charming moments, some extremely funny situations, and it shows the courage and cowardice, the confusion and clarity, and the sadness and beauty of all our lives. The soundtrack, with guitar played by Angel Romero, is incredible and absolutely perfect. The landscapes are lovely, and Redford gives us some of his artistry in the first and last scenes as he sets up the story, and in transitional scenes that are breathtaking. This film, whether you are fond of plot, characters, locations, music, humor or excitement, is wonderfully entertaining. Like me, you may find yourself cheered by it as well as haunted. It is certainly worth viewing a number of times if you are a student of directing styles. Redford's perspective is well-developed here, and though this is an early film, he is the expert. If you saw the Horse Whisperer, Quiz Show, or A River Runs Through It, you may get pleasure and illumination by viewing this earlier but by no means lesser film. It is an important contribution to the director's body of work -- and a lot of fun.

the fact that this movie is not available on dvd is one of the greater injustices the world may ever experience. i own the vhs, and i have watched it several times, and i LOVE it! it makes you laugh, cry, and wonder. i have little to say that hasn't already been said about this excellent film. even in a small, poor town, hope and perseverance can make a difference. throw in a little magic and superstition, and you have the perfect mix. "the milagro beanfield war" is a perfect movie; it has absolutely no flaws whatsoever, from beginning to end. no inconsistencies, no plot holes. the acting and camerawork and music are superb. and about the music! yes, i love dave grusin's work for this film! in fact, i had the "migration" album before i ever saw this movie, and it was the music that prompted me to order the film! both the cd and the film were money incredibly well spent.

it pains me to no end that i cannot buy this excellent film on dvd! on a recent trip to the video store i saw the movies "raptor" and "meet the feebles" on dvd! now if any of you are even vaguely familiar with either of those two titles, you can imagine my outrage that THEY could be put on disc but not "TMBW"! i've decided to fix this problem myself by buying a new vcr, a dvd-burner and video-capture software for my computer. with that, i shall record the film to my hard drive, then burn it as a dvd movie. this way i can preserve all my old vhs-only classics. but for anyone who hasn't seen this movie, please do yourself a favor and buy it! i see no way you could go wrong here.

come on redford, please release Milagro to dvd. this is the finest movie most folks have never seen. it surely deserves a wider audience. i would advise all to see the movie, even if you have to buy it on vhs. funny, smart, honest, compelling, good performances from a fine cast and kudoos to redford for this fine effort.

Beautiful film from (then very fresh) director Robert Redford. This film depicts the epic struggle between good and evil with some very nice twists. Excellent roles that were handled well by Ruben Blades, Sonia Braga, James Gammon, and a host of many other great characters that were depicted quite well. Chris Walken presents to us the governmental enforcer to a sheer tee. Richard Bradford (joined by Melanie Griffith) also gives us the perfect "fat cat" & (his) band of bad guys that are trying to hoard an already conspicuous pipeline of water through a dry valley near the Mexican border when one of the (near povertied) residents of Milagro makes a grave, yet somehow worthy mistake.
Milagro is a community inhabited by crazy townfolk, idealistic views, & even a familiar face (Freddy Fender) as town mayor. Get ready for ghosts, legends, and an inspiring story and cast that will keep you smiling, thinking, and loving this film for many years to come!
*A grammy won that year for the haunting soundtrack was also quite well deserved.

I am a native New Mexican, transplanted to the great Pacific Northwest. My heart will always be with the people and culture of New Mexico. This film truly captures the spirit of "The land of enchantment". Watch it and you will fall in love with New Mexico.