Amazon.com: Robert Redford's underrated directorial follow-up to his Academy Award-winning Ordinary People, The Milagro Beanfield War is a loose and whimsical fable about community pride and social activism in the face of modern progress. Sonia Braga (Kiss of the Spider Woman) plays a local mechanic in a small New Mexico town who takes up the challenge of rallying support for a local farmer who uses water owned by a real estate developer to grow beans in his field. Everything escalates to a showdown between the townspeople and the developers, with unexpected results. The strongest aspect of the film is the way it doesn't take itself too seriously, with Redford adopting a leisurely tone and allowing his fine cast (including Ruben Blades as the pragmatic town sheriff and Christopher Walken as a nasty state police officer) to deliver finely nuanced performances that touch on themes of faith and perseverance without seeming heavy-handed. The Milagro Beanfield War is an overlooked gem. --Robert Lane
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Absolutely!
The other reviewers have done such a great job heralding this film, I really can't add much more other than to say that I agree--this is just a richly made piece of art that captivates. Love it.
Rating: - New Mexico Culture Story for all!
Living in New Mexico I can say this is a movie for the local and a movie for all those that cheer for the underdog!!
Rating: - Delightful relaxation experience, one of my favoriites.
This has long been one of my favorite movies for a relaxing evening at home.
Just enough action, humor and suspense to keep me interested and an exceptional setting. The story is timely and the casting is perfect!
Redford hit a home run here.
Rating: - The Milagro Beanfield War
Outstanding movie with wonderful acting. Director Robert Redford presents the culture, emotions and the conflict between developers and the local people of northern New Mexico as if he lived here.
Rating: - Milagro Beanfield WAr
Milagro Beanfield War is a jewel of a film Watch it after reading BLESS ME, ULTIMA by Robert Anaya. Many similar themes in the Hispanic community in New Mexico in the '70's and '40's, respectively.
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