Film Review: The Milagro Beanfield War (1988)

Phrase “cult film” is overused, especially in the domain of mainstream big budget Hollywood production. Too often it is applied to the films that not only don’t deserve, but actually don’t have proper cult status, since they are obscure despite having some notable names behind them. One of such notable names is Robert Redford, former Hollywood superstar who gradually transformed into patron saint of independent cinema, left wing activist and film director in his own right. Unlike his “Oscar”-awarded directorial debut Ordinary People, his second film, 1988 drama The Milagro Beanfield War is one of the least known films of his career, despite being made with large budget and having formidable cast.

The plot is based on the eponymous novel by John Nichols, who also co-wrote the script together with David S. Ward. It is set in Milagro (“Miracle” in English), small, impoverished town in the mountains of northern New Mexico whose overwhelmingly Hispanic inhabitants try to maintain their centuries old traditions. Their way of life and the town itself are threatened by huge development project by businessman Ladd Devine (played by Richard Bradford) who wants to build golf course. Local activist Ruby Archuleta (played by Sonia Braga) knows that the project would ultimately force remaining inhabitants to sell their property and leave town, but the community is still divided. It begins to change when John Mondragon (played by Chick Vennera), one of local farmers, accidentally diverts water from Devine’s property, which allows him to irrigate the bean field on the exact spot Devine wants to build golf course. Mondragon refuses to sell his field and local people gradually begin to rally around him. As the conflict escalates, Devine is forced to hire “fixer” Kyril Montana (played by Christopher Walken) who would try to solve the problem through intimidation.

The Milagro Beanfield War, thanks to composer Dave Grusin, won Oscar for Best Original Score and everyone who hears its Mexican-influenced theme would probably think that the award was justified. Film also features great ensemble cast, while Redford does decent job as a director, putting New Mexico locations to good use. However, film nevertheless became box office flop and later turned into obscurity. The most obvious reason is lethargic pace that makes The Milagro Beanfield War almost two hours long. Redford fills the film with too many characters; some are almost indistinguishable from each other, some are underwritten (like Kyril Montana, which even Walken with his talents can’t make memorable), and some are quite unnecessary, like Devine’s trophy wife (played by Melanie Griffith) or sociologist studying Milagro (played by Daniel Stern). Another issue is conceptual. Redford can’t make his mind which of two kinds of film to make. One is realistic and politically charged drama about environment and indigenous cultures being endangered by WASP-dominated forces of unrestrained capitalism of Reagan’s America. The other is populist fable-like comedy which uses elements of magical realism. Although veteran Mexican actor Carlos Riquelme in the role of Mondragon’s neighbour works hard in steering the film towards the latter, conceptual confusion remains. The result is well-intentioned but flawed film that could be recommended only to the more patient and more forgiving among the fans of Robert Redford’s work.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

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