The Milagro Beanfield War (1988)

[Edgy MD]

Poor New Mexico landowner, in a pique over a lack of work, decides to irrigate his beanfield, despite obscure water rights prohibitions that have shut down all the local farmers. His momentary act of defiance triggers a land war between the citizens of a dying town and land developers, along with the politicians in their pockets. Local law enforcement and others in the ensemble cast get caught in the middle.

[FIMG=350]https://xl.movieposterdb.com/11_09/1988/95638/xl_95638_61ca14b0.jpg[/FIMG]

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

I saw this in the theater when it was new. I remember liking it at the time but also, that I was supposed to like it and it made me feel sophisticated for liking it.

I should probably rewatch.

[Edgy MD]

If anything, Redford dials back some of the magic realism from the source novel, which is weird, since Redford has frequently tended to dial it up in films with more anglo-centric themes.

Redford films also tend to be beautifully shot, with the like of A River Runs Through It, The Legend of Bagger Vance, and The Natural (which he didn't direct) all featuring green and gold fields of a pre-war America and golden-haired hero kissed by beatific sunlight. This one is shot in New Mexico, which is also gorgeous of course, but not in the same lush way. So even though it is set in his backyard, he doesn't let the cinematographer do all the heavy lifting and instead relies on a fun ensemble cast and a solid story THAT SPEAKS TO US TODAY!

[Frayed Knot]

Saw it like a million years ago (maybe not that many, probably more like 37) but don't remember anything at this point.

[Edgy MD]

In many ways, it resembles a John Sayles film more than a Redford one. The protagonist even seems to be to be styled after and shot like Springsteen.

[Frayed Knot]

There's an ad on the CitiField outfield wall for Milagro Tequila

[whippoorwill]

I do not see many Chicano names in that cast

[Edgy MD]

Well, the film is set amongst a very American community in New Mexico, descended not from immigrants, but from folks who have been there long before New Mexico was part of the US, and the villagers are played largely by American-born folks of Latin-American and Native American ancestry. But just as much time is set amongst the villainous land developers, their henchmen, and corrupt politicians — a largely Caucasian group.

You also get the Panamanian Ruben Blades, the Brazilian Sonia Braga, and Tejano legend Freddy Fendér.

[whippoorwill]

Wasted Days and Wasted nights .....

[Edgy MD]

Exactly! Who wouldn't want to see a movie in which that guy appears, even in a small role?!

[whippoorwill]

Lol