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The Milagro Beanfield War

  • 1988
  • R
  • 1h 57m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
7.2K
YOUR RATING
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.
Play trailer1:28
1 Video
22 Photos
ComedyDramaFantasy

The accidental breakdown of an irrigation valve launches a hot confrontation between the mainly Latino farmers in a tiny New Mexico town and the real estate developers and politicians determ... Read allThe accidental breakdown of an irrigation valve launches a hot confrontation between the mainly Latino farmers in a tiny New Mexico town and the real estate developers and politicians determined to acquire their land for a golf resort.The accidental breakdown of an irrigation valve launches a hot confrontation between the mainly Latino farmers in a tiny New Mexico town and the real estate developers and politicians determined to acquire their land for a golf resort.

  • Director
    • Robert Redford
  • Writers
    • John Nichols
    • David S. Ward
  • Stars
    • Rubén Blades
    • Richard Bradford
    • Sonia Braga
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.8/10
    7.2K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Robert Redford
    • Writers
      • John Nichols
      • David S. Ward
    • Stars
      • Rubén Blades
      • Richard Bradford
      • Sonia Braga
    • 65User reviews
    • 21Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Oscar
      • 2 wins & 2 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:28
    Official Trailer

    Photos22

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    Top cast65

    Edit
    Rubén Blades
    Rubén Blades
    • Sheriff Bernabe Montoya
    • (as Ruben Blades)
    Richard Bradford
    Richard Bradford
    • Ladd Devine
    Sonia Braga
    Sonia Braga
    • Ruby Archuleta
    Julie Carmen
    Julie Carmen
    • Nancy Mondragon
    James Gammon
    James Gammon
    • Horsethief Shorty
    Melanie Griffith
    Melanie Griffith
    • Flossie Devine
    John Heard
    John Heard
    • Charlie Bloom
    Carlos Riquelme
    Carlos Riquelme
    • Amarante Cordova
    Daniel Stern
    Daniel Stern
    • Herbie Platt
    Chick Vennera
    Chick Vennera
    • Joe Mondragon
    Christopher Walken
    Christopher Walken
    • Kyril Montana
    Freddy Fender
    Freddy Fender
    • Mayor Sammy Cantu
    Tony Genaro
    Tony Genaro
    • Nick Rael
    Jerry Hardin
    Jerry Hardin
    • Emerson Capps
    Ronald G. Joseph
    • Jerry G
    Mario Arrambide
    • Carl
    Robert Carricart
    Robert Carricart
    • Coyote Angel
    Alberto Morin
    Alberto Morin
    • The Senile Brigade
    • Director
      • Robert Redford
    • Writers
      • John Nichols
      • David S. Ward
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews65

    6.87.1K
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    Featured reviews

    cgp2002

    Great movie!

    Milagro Bean Field War is a truly great film, one of the must see list. Terrific casting and well filmed. It may have been neglected by viewers and critics because it is about a class of people and time and place we often do not take seriously, but it is a sincere and genuine story, well told. The use of the ghost and the pig as foils are delightful, and it is remarkable what a good movie can be like without gratuitous violence, nudity or foul language. However, it should not be assumed that is intended to say this is a bland movie, far from it. It is tasty and spiced well with action, language, and phrasing, not to mention filming. And it is funny, good fun all around. Enjoy!
    9justplainme

    Captures Rural Northern New Mexico Culture

    I agree with "Dawg!" that someone who was not from NM might not get this movie.

    I like the Fiddler On The Roof guy, the foothills scenery, my first introduction to Sonja Braga.

    The movie does the best job I've ever seen of capturing the essence of small town Northern New Mexico culture - regular folks with regular problems addressing them the best they can. Every culture has its quirky way of addressing life, and this movie depicts this one pretty accurately.

    I love it, except for one thing: no DVD.
    hwedhlor

    A thoroughly delightful movie with Oscar winning music!

    I watch this movie on VHS every few months just to renew the good feeling it gives me and expect that I'll wear the tape out eventually.

    The score won an Oscar for Dave Grusin, yet there is no soundtrack available, which is a real shame. Angel Romero did some great guitar work on this film, and the Milagro Suite is a wonderful piece of music.

    The story is funny and poignant, and the movie deserves to be better known than it is, as Robert Redford's direction has produced a film story that is much better than the book. There should be a DVD release of this film.

    Highly recommended.
    8mandy_a_white

    Joe Mondragon was my great-granddad

    Growing up in my family it was a birth rite to see this movie. The movie is about my great grand dad Joe Mondragon. i remember seeing this movie in school and everyone asking me about it. I don't remember much about my great grand father cuz i was like 6 what i do remember was that i only got to meet him once. But what i associate with him all comes from this movie i hope that it is at least mostly true.This movie has meant a lot to me and i hope that i continues to mean a lot to every one who sees it. It helps us remember our past and our future and also reminds us to be tolerant of others and that we should try to help keep the little guys way of life.
    John-304

    What a delightful experience....

    This movie has a wonderful fantasy tone to it. Unlike real life where we take what we get, in this film everything just seems to fall into place as "nature" intended it to. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could live in that world? A definite 10!!!

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      At one of the local Milagro stores where lawyer Charlie Bloom is dropping off his newspapers, a woman is shopping for Newman's Own salad dressing. The store owner tells her, that's no good, buy something else---an obvious in-joke in which director Robert Redford tweaks his longtime friend and two-time co-star Paul Newman.
    • Goofs
      At the Forest Service station, Jerry G. pulls out his service revolver to prevent Joe from taking his cow. The gun is pointed directly at the camera and one can see that the chambers are empty. When Sheriff Montoya intervenes, the revolver is fully loaded.
    • Quotes

      Joe Mondragon: Would you like a punch in the mouth?

      Nancy Mondragon: Go ahead. I'll hit you so hard, they'll arrest you in El Paso for speeding.

    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Biloxi Blues/Johnny Be Good/A New Life/The Milagro Beanfield War/Dominick and Eugene (1988)

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    FAQ20

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 18, 1988 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • El secreto de Milagro
    • Filming locations
      • Truchas, New Mexico, USA
    • Production companies
      • Esparza
      • Universal Pictures
      • Wildwood Enterprises
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $22,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $13,825,794
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $47,271
      • Mar 20, 1988
    • Gross worldwide
      • $13,825,794
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 57m(117 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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