The Milagro Beanfield War Blu-ray
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A Chicano farmer attempts to irrigate his land despite the objections of townspeople and land developers. The Milagro Beanfield War Blu-ray
From Robert Redford, the award-winning director of Ordinary People, A River Runs Through It, Quiz Show, The Horse Whisperer and The Legend of Bagger Vance, comes this absolutely delightful comedy of everyday people caught up in extraordinary circumstances. When Chicano handyman Joe Mondragon (Chick Vennera, Last Rites) from the Milagro Valley decides to irrigate his small beanfield by borrowing some water from a large and potentially destructive site, he unknowingly sets off a chain reaction that erupts into a humorous culture clash. The developers then try to stamp out the modest plantings, forcing the handyman’s friends to team up with the spirited rebel to protect and preserve their way of life. The stellar cast includes Ruben Blades (Color of Night), Sonia Braga (The Rookie), Melanie Griffith (A Stranger Among Us), John Heard (Deceived), Daniel Stern (Celtic Pride), Christopher Walken (King of New York), M. Emmet Walsh (Blood Simple) and music legend Freddy Fender. The Milagro Beanfield War won an Oscar for Best Original Score by the great Dave Grusin (Fuzz, Havana). The Milagro Beanfield War Blu-ray
Special Features:
-NEW Audio Commentary by Star Chick Vennera and Film Historian/Filmmaker Daniel Kremer
-Theatrical Trailer
-Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
-Optional English Subtitles
Additional information
| MPAA rating : | R (Restricted) |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions : | 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 2.4 ounces |
| Media Format : | Anamorphic, NTSC, Subtitled |
| Run time : | 1 hour and 57 minutes |
| Release date : | September 29, 2020 |
| Actors : | Chick Vennera, Christopher Walken, Sônia Braga |
| Studio : | KL Studio Classics |
| ASIN : | B08C97TCF6 |
| Number of discs : | 1 |
| Best Sellers Rank: | #488 in Comedy (Movies & TV) |
| Customer Reviews: | (1,619) |
10 reviews for The Milagro Beanfield War Blu-ray
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Penny –
Wish they could do a remake of this movie?
The casting and acting are out of date; I absolutely LOVED it in my young adult years.
D. GORR –
It’s a Milagro
Since the medium was first introduced, I’ve been waiting (were it applicable for me, I’d say praying, on bended knee) for Milagro to appear on DVD. This movie easily ranks among the top entries in my “desert island” must-haves. To be honest, I never held out much hope that it would ever happen. The release of this title on DVD is one of the most pleasant surprises in recent memory, almost enough to make me religious — “Thank you God for granting me another day!”Nichol’s work, after his successful novel “The Sterile Cuckoo” (made into a movie starring a very young Lisa Minelli) and his subsequent move to northern New Mexico, took a turn that was politically anathema to some (increasingly leftist), but his passion for the land and for the people transcends the realm of the political and becomes something spiritual — hence, the name, Milagro, which means miracle. Even if you can’t identify politically, this is one of the most beautiful cinematic presentations I’ve seen, and it’s drenched in humanity.Prior to Redford’s movie interpretation, I was already a total Nichols fan. His New Mexico Trilogy — The Milagro Beanfield War (1974), The Magic Journey (1978), and The Nirvana Blues (1981) — was a heartfelt take on the northern New Mexico socioscape of indigenous people suffering in the wake of encroaching money and development from major American population centers. Rich people, searching for escapes, retreats, and vacation homes in the gorgeous Western hinterland, have been displacing the long-time residents of those hinterlands for decades. Nichol’s books take on the viewpoint of the people dispossessed and disenfranchised. The theme still resonates today wherever the powerless are pushed aside for new development, vacation estates/ranchettes, or a new golf course. The last paragraph of “Nirvana Blues” confirms Nichol’s digust with America’s disregard for the powerless. His main character dreams of going to a better place, a place where people are respected, honest work is respected, and wealth doesn’t rule absolutely — in Nichol’s 1981 vision, this means Cuba: “Yet Joe remained intact, and continued falling toward the green hills and succulent valleys of a Communist country.”Today, of course, it wouldn’t be politic to make such a statement. As a political entity, communism has been pronounced a failure (Ronnie Reagan, early to mid 80s), and, by extension, ANY and ALL social concepts like the rights of each and every member of a given society have fallen into disrepute. After all, we live in George Bush’s America … now that I think about it, the message of the New Mexico Trilogy is more relevant today than it has been at any time since 1981. Ultimately, Nichol’s work is about protecting the rights of the common man in the face of political and monied interests. I ain’t no rich man’s son, and I can identify. If you’ve ever experienced a feeling of creeping social vulnerability, of being overrun by irresistable forces, of being dispassionately cast aside, check out this movie, and better yet, read the three books in Nichol’s New Mexico Trilogy. They’re all about people, the land, and real compassion.They’re also very rich reads, produced by a highly skilled wordsmith.I don’t know how involved you were in the production of this DVD, but thank you VERY MUCH Robert Redford for making the release of this movie to DVD a reality.Oh, I forgot to mention that the soundtrack is magical. My wife and I have been hoping that it would make it to CD at some point, but that’s probably WAY too much to hope for. (Hey, Mr. Redford, what are the chances? Maybe just make the tracks downloadable on iTunes?)
11 people found this helpful
Randy Gibson –
Overlooked for far too long
Others have summarized the plot below so I will try to add a few relevant thoughts. First of all, the story is basically a skim off the John Nichols novel. Like all his books, it is so deep in back story that no movie can contain more than a tithe of the actual narrative. This screenplay actually does it justice, though. The strength of the work is not the plot but the characters. In Nichols’ novel, each character has such richness and depth, they become very much alive and real. Sadly, no movie can ever capture all of that, but I think Redford’s efforts here managed to pick up enough of it to make the film work because the most important character in the film is the town of Milagro itself. By getting even a glimpse of such venerable old-timers as Amarante Cordova, Onofre Martinez, and Nick Rael’s crazy mother, we understand much more of Milagro’s personality. Within the movie we get some very nice depth added to other characters, as well. Reuben Blades as Sheriff Bernabe Montoya, for example, is tripping over his feet jumping a ditch in one scene and using cunning wisdom to disarm a firefight in the next. Sonia Braga’s passive-aggressive manipulation of John Heard’s lawyer-activist is brilliantly played by both of them. James Gammon as Horsethief Shorty, the one Anglo who may love Milagro as much as the local Hispanics, is perfectly played, as well. The film is beautifully photographed and Redford’s love of the American Southwest is visually documented here with a very nice touch. The soundtrack also adds a lot of character to the piece and is very well placed. Finally, two small roles that I thought added a lot to the movie were Julie Carmen as Nancy Mondragon, Joe’s wife, and also Freddy Fender as Milagro’s mayor, Sammy Cantu. Overall, this is one of those movies that isn’t so much about what happens in the film as it is about how the director and the actors portray it, which in this case is done beautifully.
7 people found this helpful
R. Gawlitta –
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.
71 people found this helpful
Cherie L. Dischinger –
Amazon’s Milagro Bean Field Wars
Charming! Charming! Charming! From start to finish this little movie is just a joy. It’s setting might be seen in many parts of the United States today. I don’t think Robert Redford wasted one moment of his amazing eye and ability to make any subject interesting, beautiful and rich on this movie. The music is perfect, the cinema photography unsurpassed, the directing is visionary and the acting is believable and enduring. The story of a small, dying town being ravaged by a big land developer taking away the life blood and property of people who have lived in the location for 300+ years. It turns into an all or nothing fight from the ones who need their land, jobs and dignity the most over a small field of pinto beans. The local customs and believes make for a rainbow of sources to draw from when writing a thesis. The bad character seems to relish in his power, the insensitive rich developer and his dumb (like a fox wife)one might tend to be sympathetic (but not really), the enduring elderly citizens and a group of nice guys fighting the best they can is very entertaining.There are so many characters and story lines perfectly intertwined within this film. Yet it never seemed to burden the viewer. Each individual appears to have a cacophony of levels. From the troublesome pet pig to the ethereal, sly spirit who often shows up to give the viewers new insight, or just cause a little stirring of the pot, it’s adorable! Braga, Hurt, Walkin, Blades, Carlos Requelme, Chick, Carricart and young Daniel Stern have each added a sweet measure of their faces, acting, and craft to make this a memorable mix of precious, arrogant, wicked, hot tempered and charming all at once.I will watch this movie over and over again for years to come.
One person found this helpful
Mark J. Fowler –
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.
5 people found this helpful
Mr. E –
Happy Customer.👍
GREAT MOVIE AND QUALITY. A MUST HAVE AT MOVIE LEAST FOR ME!
kevin callis –
the greatest movie nobody’s ever heard of
the fact that this movie is not available on dvd is one of the greater injustices the world may ever experience. i own the vhs, and i have watched it several times, and i LOVE it! it makes you laugh, cry, and wonder. i have little to say that hasn’t already been said about this excellent film. even in a small, poor town, hope and perseverance can make a difference. throw in a little magic and superstition, and you have the perfect mix. “the milagro beanfield war” is a perfect movie; it has absolutely no flaws whatsoever, from beginning to end. no inconsistencies, no plot holes. the acting and camerawork and music are superb. and about the music! yes, i love dave grusin’s work for this film! in fact, i had the “migration” album before i ever saw this movie, and it was the music that prompted me to order the film! both the cd and the film were money incredibly well spent.it pains me to no end that i cannot buy this excellent film on dvd! on a recent trip to the video store i saw the movies “raptor” and “meet the feebles” on dvd! now if any of you are even vaguely familiar with either of those two titles, you can imagine my outrage that THEY could be put on disc but not “TMBW”! i’ve decided to fix this problem myself by buying a new vcr, a dvd-burner and video-capture software for my computer. with that, i shall record the film to my hard drive, then burn it as a dvd movie. this way i can preserve all my old vhs-only classics. but for anyone who hasn’t seen this movie, please do yourself a favor and buy it! i see no way you could go wrong here.
11 people found this helpful
Dennis K. –
close to magical realism, a charming film which holds up after years
“Milagro Bean Field War” is a charming, uplifting, heart-warming and funny joy directed by Robert Redford. A conglomerate is planning to build a golf course/resort and houses in a sleepy Southwest town that God seems to have forgotten. A lone bean farmer, fed up, opens the flood gate from the water being syphoned off for the golf extravaganza and allows water into his plot of land and proceeds to plant beans. All hell breaks loose of course and characters include the usual “undercover” bad guy who everyone spots immediately, a woman who owns an auto repair shop, a crusading gringo from up north somewhere who has a weekly local paper, a very old man who sees a ghost who is even older and who believes in all the old magic, a young graduate student who is in town to do research for an Anthro. dissertation, a local sheriff who just wants things to be peaceful, etc. Oh, and a very large pig who plays a pivotal role. So much more to say but i am trying to avoid spoilers. i loved this when it first came out, bought it now and loved it again. Community, good and love win out over the evil outsiders who want to exploit the area for profit and in the end destroy the lives of the locals.
2 people found this helpful
Christina –
This movie is enchanting, simple & lovely to watch!
Has always been one of my favorite movies and can’t believe that I finely found it. Great recording, very pretty to watch. The characters are just so wonderful and the actors Ruben Blades (I adore him in every movie he’s made)), Sonia Braga (so full of life and so beautiful), Richard Bradford, Julie Carmin, and so many more. Robert Redford directed this and he was so in touch with this small town and it’s wonderful residents. This delightful comedy makes you feel like you’re in the story. I will always love these people and the magical story. Delivered very fast and in perfect shape.
One person found this helpful