The Milagro Beanfield War | Rubén Blades, Richard Bradford

The Milagro Beanfield War | Rubén Blades, Richard Bradford | A True Milagro

DVDs:

The Milagro Beanfi...

	The Milagro Beanfield War Rubén Blades, Richard Bradford Universal Studios, 2005 average customer review:based on 74 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Magical film; Great DVD

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.

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A True Milagro

Robert Redford did an excelent job in this film which really depicts a small town in New Mexico. I thought the actors were great and did a wonderful job. The outdoor scenes were fantastic and it's a very realistic story. It could happen or maybe it did happen. I enjoyed the dvd better than the video because it has a commentary by Robert Redford and other enhancements. All in all I recommend everybody see it at least once. My Wife and I have seen it several times and always enjoy it.

60's revisited

I have waited for years for this movie to be issued on DVD and it doesn't disappoint. The cinematography is vibrant and the sound is enriched from the original video tape issue. The movie itself is reminiscent of 60's movies believing that one or two people can act to change what appears otherwise to be inevitable. Ruben blades is especially good and Christopher Walken is in another slightly off- center role.

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-a milagro-

This is one of my all time favorite movies. The story line is true and the acting is great. The book is also a good read.

Robert Redford's Magical Tale of the Land

Robert Redford's 2nd film is a noble effort. "The Milagro Beanfield War" is adapted from John Treadwell Nichols novel, which I must admit I have not read. In the accompanying documentary Redford tells us that the book was more sprawling with more characters and subplots. His film is just about right.

While watching I was reminded of the writings of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, full of passion and the supernatural in a way that seems perfectly natural. For example, the film opens showing us a Mexican dancing through the community of Milagro during sunrise. This old man then has a conversation with Amarante, the oldest citizen of Milagro. It wasn't until some time later that I picked up on the fact that the old Mexican is an Angel. Amarante is the only one who can see and carry on conversations with him. In a "Hollywood" movie this might be the entire plot - man "sees" an Angel no one else can see. But in this story the "Angel" subplot is just one of many colorful textures added to a rich storyline.

The story is one of "rich vs poor". The Milagro residents have lived there for centuries, and though they were never wealthy they made do in their community. Wealthy developers are coming to build a community of luxury for those who can pay, and will want a golf course where bean fields now stand.

Characters are not black and white in this story - much like real-life - and the story is enriched by added subtle shades to many complex characters. Chick Vennera portrays Joe Mondragon, a Mexican whose father left him one of the proudest bean fields of Milagro, now dried up due to lack of irrigation. The water has been diverted by the rich developers - who have the means to MAKE water flow to their development. The irrigation ditch runs right beside the bean field and one day out of frustration at lack of work Joe kicks a valve that diverts part of the water to his father's bean field. Everyone in Milagro immediately senses the significance of the water. The water "belongs" to Mr. Devine and his developers. But the water is also all the is keeping Milagro from it's former agricultural glory.

Ruby, played by Sonia Braga, runs an auto body shop, where honest work is done. But she knows that her mechanics don't have the expertise to work on the new Mercedes and Jaguars that will be coming into town if the rich developers have their way. John Heard has a great understated role as Charlie Bloom, a lawyer who was once a political activist, but who is now in Milagro. It seems he came there to avoid waves. Now he runs a paper that only comes out every couple of days. Ruby pressures Charlie into joining the cause against the developers, and the sequence around a town meeting that Ruby calls is one of the highlights of the movie. Ruby first invites reluctant Charlie to the meeting to cover it for his paper. But once the group is assembled she calls him up as a lawyer expert to explain to the people WHY it's important that Milagro not be turned into high-priced real estate. The scene is masterful story-telling and some of the most clever exposition of any film. Charlie explains plainly that once the rich folks move in they'll demand better schools, better public works and finally the families that have lived in Milagro for 500 years won't be able to afford the taxes of their own community.

Ruben Blades is great as Sheriff Montoya, perhaps the coolest head in Milagro. Several times during the story there is a standoff with folks aiming guns at one another, only to have the Sheriff calm the situation down. The great character actor James Gannon portrays Shorty, who is employed by the developers, but is also sympathetic to the natives as well.

Daniel Stern portrays a college boy and Christopher Walken is a menacing lawman in effective performances.

The magic in Milagro comes from Redford's willingness to let the story unfold, painting the town and the unique characters in warm strokes that are believable and engaging.

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