The Milagro Beanfield War
by Robert Redford
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Actor: James Gammon, Julie Carmen, Richard Bradford, Rubén Blades, Sonia BragaDirector: Robert Redford
Brand: Universal Studios
Cinematographer: Robbie Greenberg
Producer: Robert Redford
Producer: Charles Mulvehill
Producer: Gary Hendler
Producer: Moctesuma Esparza
Writer: David S. Ward
Writer: John Nichols
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language); Spanish (Original Language); French (Dubbed); Spanish (Dubbed)
Format: Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 117 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-05-31
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Universal Studios
DVD Reviews of The Milagro Beanfield War
DVD Review: Robert Redford's Magical Tale of the Land
Summary: 4 Stars
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.
Description of The Milagro Beanfield War
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