The Milagro Beanfield War is a fascinating, very entertaining film that surprised me when I found out how little known this film was even though it was directed by Robert Redford, whom is a very prolific actor and director. I liked how this film has a penchant for pretty sunrises and sunsets and I feel like it adds to the film. Is this a political film? It could be because it certainly has political overtones, but I was more entertained than politically guided with this film.Robert Redford's film is about a small town in New Mexico where it's predominated by Hispanics and Catholics. There is this one man named Joe Mondragon who illegally uses water to irrigate his beanfield and does what he can to protect it against the interests of big business.This film surprised me by having the acting it's best asset. I haven't heard of half of the cast, but they do a great job. There are several I've heard of such as John Heard, Christopher Walken, and Daniel Stern and I think they do a pretty good job. To be honest, I thought Stern would be funnier here since he is known as a funnyman.Overall, The Milagro Beanfield War is a vastly underrated film. It can be pretty funny at times without being too overly dramatic. It takes a while to get hooked into the film, but eventually you'll not want this film not to be ovefr. Not only does it have a good story, it's pretty to look at thanks to some fine cinematography and has a wonderful score by Dave Grusin. I think more people should get to see this film because it's very good. I rate this film 9/10.

The Milagro Beanfield War is a work of art. It has a premise upon which the story flows so engagingly for the viewer.Unlike all of the action adventure films of today, relying on superfluous violence and car crash scenes, the film develops the intricacies of characters, including poor migrant workers, old men, small town people, ex-hippies, et al.Everything works: theme, music, plot, characters, setting, photography, actors. Redford shows he is a highly competent director meshing all into an engaging and enjoyable experience.Without the old men in this film, it would have failed. They symbolize all that we have lost of our ancestors: simple values; simple lives; honor; social consciousness; enjoyment of life; appreciation of just being alive.Great cast,great film. I watch it every time it comes on the air, mesmerized by the world into which it lulls you with its other worldly music.Thank you, Robert Redford, for making this film. Please do some more like it.

I have been reading IMDb reviews for several months, but this is the first time I have felt a need to add one of my own. This is mostly a response to the detractors of this film. Since Milagro is one of my favourite movies I have ever seen, I was amazed at the vitriol it inspired in some people. At first it made me angry -- but then, it just made me sad to know that so many people are so ignorant of real life, and of the magical realities that exist in this mundane world. This film is probably the most real film about the most real people I have ever seen. Fat, rich, and greedy white men do indeed oppress good people of colour and limited means all over the world all the time, and I suspect that the critic's vitriol had its base in the fact that this movie so effectively portrays this oppression. To anyone who wants an inspiring, witty, funny, and heartfelt story about the 'little man' who successfully stands up to the Machine, this movie is a must see.

Having lived in New Mexico, this movie depicts the local people like no other movie made about New Mexico. I love this movie. The music is great. Too bad there wasn't a soundtrack. I moved from R.I. to N.M. People told me before I moved that N.M. would grab you with its people, its culture, its food and not let go. I live in Ca. now and after watching this movie, I know why N.M. grabs you and doesen't let go. It is truly the land of Enchantment. This movie is sensational. The acting in this movie is great. From Freddy Fender to the Lt. Governor of N.M. all the actors are just wonderful. Christopher Walken play the perfect stooge until the very end where he makes up for being an idiot.