On this day March 18 1988 the drama-comedy The Milagro Beanfield War premiered in theaters. Directed by Robert Redford the film featured an ensemble cast including Ruben Blades Richard Bradford Sônia Braga Julie Carmen James Gammon Melanie Griffith John Heard Carlos Riquelme Daniel Stern Chick Vennera and Christopher Walken.
Based on the novel by John Nichols the film told the story of a small-town farmer in New Mexico who illegally diverts water to his beanfield sparking a conflict between the local community and powerful developers. The film blended magical realism social commentary and humor to deliver a heartfelt story about fighting for what’s right. Despite positive reviews it struggled at the box office earning 13.8 million against a 22 million budget.
80s insight: The Milagro Beanfield War won the Academy Award for Best Original Score composed by Dave Grusin.
Based on the novel by John Nichols the film told the story of a small-town farmer in New Mexico who illegally diverts water to his beanfield sparking a conflict between the local community and powerful developers. The film blended magical realism social commentary and humor to deliver a heartfelt story about fighting for what’s right. Despite positive reviews it struggled at the box office earning 13.8 million against a 22 million budget.
80s insight: The Milagro Beanfield War won the Academy Award for Best Original Score composed by Dave Grusin.
