Comedy
United States of America
"The Milagro Beanfield War" is a 1988 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Redford and starring Rubén Blades, Richard Bradford, Sonia Braga, Julie Carmen, James Gammon, Melanie Griffith, John Heard, Daniel Stern, and Christopher Walken. The film is based on the 1974 novel of the same name by John Nichols and tells the story of a young Chicano named Joe Mondragon (played by Blades) who decides to plant his own beanfield in the arid New Mexico countryside. His tiny crop soon draws the wrath of powerful land developers and local politicians, who see it as a threat to their plans for a new golf course and luxury resort. Joe's struggle to defend his land and way of life soon becomes a symbolic battle between the forces of greed and corruption on one side, and the ordinary people of Milagro on the other. Along the way, the film explores themes of community, identity, and the importance of cultural heritage in the face of rapid social change. The Milagro Beanfield War was praised for its lush cinematography, engaging characters, and poignant message about the need to stand up for what you believe in, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for two Academy Awards.
