The Milagro Beanfield War (1988)

An accidental breakdown of a valve on the irrigation ditch launches a hot confrontation between local farmers and corrupt authorities.

Director:

Robert Redford

Writers:

John Nichols (novel), John Nichols (screenplay)

Stars:

Rubén Blades, Richard Bradford, Sônia Braga

Won 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rubén Blades	...	Sheriff Bernabe Montoya
Richard Bradford	...	Ladd Devine
Sônia Braga	...	Ruby Archuleta (as Sonia Braga)
Julie Carmen	...	Nancy Mondragon
James Gammon	...	Horsethief Shorty
Melanie Griffith	...	Flossie Devine
John Heard	...	Charlie Bloom
Carlos Riquelme	...	Amarante Cordova
Daniel Stern	...	Herbie Platt
Chick Vennera	...	Joe Mondragon
Christopher Walken	...	Kyril Montana
Freddy Fender	...	Mayor Sammy Cantu
Tony Genaro	...	Nick Rael
Jerry Hardin	...	Emerson Capps
Ronald G. Joseph	...	Jerry G

Storyline

In the tiny town of Milagro, New Mexico, where the local water is a premium resource, shady developer Ladd Devine has conceived a glitzy resort that will ultimately siphon off all the water from the neighboring crop-fields. When handyman and farmer Joe Mondragon accidentally breaks a water valve reserved for major companies, he inadvertently sets off a small-scale water-rights war between the farmers and the developers.

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Plot Keywords:

anti capitalism | water | governor | small town | police officer | 

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Taglines:

Milagro, New Mexico. Population 426. Nothing had changed here for 300 years. But there's something about this day...

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cheech Marin was originally cast in the role of Joe Mondragon. But Robert Redford decided that Marin was too old for role. (Marin was 40.) Marin had played the role of Joe in the 1986 audiobook version of the novel on which the film is based.

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Goofs

During the meeting at the mayor's the position of Jerry's hands changes.

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Quotes

Joe Mondragon: You beat Luis Armijo by two votes.
Sheriff Bernabe Montoya: That's because Domingo and Gusdorf were out of town.
Joe Mondragon: So, you would have won by four.
Sheriff Bernabe Montoya: Hell no man, those guys vote six, seven times apiece.

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Connections

References The Price Is Right (1972)

User Reviews

sociology-anthropology

When I entered Lewis & Clark College in autumn, 2002, I took a sociology-anthropology class. The teacher told us about water distribution systems and recommended "The Milagro Beanfield War" as a look at this topic. Since I had seen a number of Robert Redford's (who turns 71 today) movies during the past year and had thus taken an interest in his work, I decided to watch the movie.

I have to say that it really impressed me. I don't know whether to describe it as mystifying, ethereal, or something else. I could go forever in trying to praise it, though I don't consider it the greatest movie ever. But I definitely extend the recommendation that the teacher gave the class.

Starring Ruben Blades, Daniel Stern, Melanie Griffith, John Heard and Chick Venera.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

18 March 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Milagro Beanfield War

Filming Locations:

New Mexico, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$22,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$47,271, 20 March 1988

Gross USA:

$13,825,794

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$13,825,794

Company Credits

Production Co:

Esparza, Universal Pictures, Wildwood Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1