The Milagro Beanfield War

The Milagro Beanfield War

Year: 1988

Runtime: 117 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Redford

DramaFantasyComedy

When an irrigation valve unexpectedly fails, the water supply to a small New Mexico farming community is cut off, sparking a heated clash between the largely Latino growers who rely on the river and the real‑estate developers and local politicians intent on converting the fertile valley into a luxury golf resort.

The Milagro Beanfield War (1988) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Milagro Beanfield War (1988) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the sun‑kissed valley of Milagro, New Mexico, a close‑knit Latino farming community moves to the rhythm of daily life, its fields humming with the promise of beans and tradition. When an aging irrigation valve suddenly fails, the river that has long fed the town’s crops is cut off, turning water into a scarce and precious commodity. The loss of that lifeline sets a quiet tension against a backdrop of vibrant music, bustling markets, and the rolling hills that have long defined the town’s identity.

Joe Mondragon is a hard‑working farmer whose love for the land is matched only by his dedication to his family. Beside him stands Ruby Archuleta, the pragmatic owner of the local gas station and repair shop, who has become an informal hub for neighbors seeking advice and solidarity. Their world intersects with Charlie Bloom, a thoughtful lawyer and publisher whose conscience drives him to advocate for the town’s rights, and Herby Platt, a social scientist from the East whose curiosity about Milagro’s customs places him between observer and participant. Together they embody the community’s blend of resilience, hope, and a deep‑rooted connection to the earth.

Across the same horizon, Ladd Devine arrives with grand designs for a luxury golf resort that could reshape the valley’s landscape and economy. His vision, backed by ambitious real‑estate interests and eager local politicians, clashes with the farmers’ way of life. The town’s mayor, Sammy Cantu, navigates the delicate balance between progress and preservation, while Kyril Montana, a state-appointed mediator, adds an air of official scrutiny to the growing dispute. Keeping a steady hand on this volatile line is Sheriff Bernabe Montoya, whose steady presence offers a calm counterpoint to the rising unease.

The film’s tone swirls between the earthy warmth of Milagro’s daily rituals and the simmering anxiety of a community facing an uncertain future. Water, culture, and land become symbols of identity, and the emerging conflict hints at a larger struggle between collective memory and the allure of transformation. Amid the dust‑laden roads and fragrant fields, the characters navigate personal bonds and communal responsibility, leaving the audience to wonder how far the spirit of Milagro can stretch before it must draw a new line.

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:51

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Community-powered dramas like The Milagro Beanfield War

Stories of small communities uniting to defend their homes and way of life.If you enjoyed the uplifting story of a town fighting back in The Milagro Beanfield War, you'll like these movies about community organizing against injustice. Discover similar films where neighbors band together to protect their land, culture, and future, often with a hopeful, celebratory tone.

community-drivendefiantupliftingtensehopefulcelebratory

Narrative Summary

Movies in this thread typically begin with a clear threat to a tight-knit community's existence, prompting a gradual mobilization. The conflict escalates through collective action rather than a single hero's journey, emphasizing solidarity and resilience. The resolution often feels earned and joyous, reinforcing the power of community.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a central focus on community as the protagonist. They blend serious social themes with an ultimately hopeful tone and a steady, character-driven pace that builds to a meaningful, collective victory.

Movies with magical realism like The Milagro Beanfield War

Where grounded conflicts are touched by a sprinkle of the fantastical and whimsical.Fans of the charming, whimsical elements in The Milagro Beanfield War will appreciate these stories that mix fantasy with reality. Explore films where everyday life is touched by magic, adding a unique and hopeful perspective to serious themes of social justice and human connection.

quirkywhimsicalthoughtfulcharminghopefulmagical

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a central, realistic conflict—often social or personal—that is observed or gently influenced by magical or supernatural elements. These elements are not the focus but serve to highlight themes, provide comic relief, or represent the community's spirit, resulting in a tone that is thoughtful yet lightly enchanted.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their unique blend of a serious, grounded plot with whimsical, low-fantasy elements. They share a specific mood that balances emotional weight with charm, using magic to illuminate character and theme rather than to drive action.

Unlock the Full Story of The Milagro Beanfield War

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Milagro Beanfield War in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Milagro Beanfield War is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Milagro Beanfield War Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Milagro Beanfield War, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Milagro Beanfield War Summary

The Milagro Beanfield War Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Milagro Beanfield War with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Milagro Beanfield War Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Milagro Beanfield War

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Milagro Beanfield War. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Milagro Beanfield War

More About The Milagro Beanfield War

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Milagro Beanfield War: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Milagro Beanfield War

Similar Movies to The Milagro Beanfield War

Discover movies like The Milagro Beanfield War that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.