Then and Now: The Milagro Beanfield War (1988) by Robert Redford

I still remember stumbling across The Milagro Beanfield War during a Robert Redford filmography deep dive. Adapted from John Nichols' novel, the film follows a rural New Mexican town's battle against developers who threaten their water rights and way of life.

When farmer Joe Mondragon illegally diverts water to his parched bean field, he unknowingly sparks a rebellion that draws in a colorful cast of characters. With its Academy Award-winning score and star-studded ensemble, the film offered a rare Hollywood spotlight on Latino community stories that remains relevant today.

But where did the talented cast of this David-vs-Goliath tale end up? From Oscar nominees to voice actors, politicians to psychotherapists, their paths have been as diverse and surprising as the film itself.

Chick Vennera (Joe Mondragon): From Rebel Farmer to Voice Acting Star

THEN: At 41, Chick Vennera was a working character actor when he landed the lead role as Joe Mondragon, the impulsive farmer whose water theft sparks the community rebellion. With his intense performance, Vennera brought physical authenticity and emotional depth to the hardscrabble farmer fighting for his community's survival.

AFTER: Vennera's career took an unexpected turn when he found his niche in voice acting. He became beloved to a generation of fans as Pesto the temperamental pigeon in Steven Spielberg's animated series "Animaniacs." His distinctive voice brought the hot-headed bird to life from 1993-1998.

Shortly after Milagro, Vennera made memorable guest appearances on the hit sitcom The Golden Girls in 1989, playing TV reporter Enrique Mas in two episodes and prizefighter Kid Pepe in another. His comedic timing in these roles showcased a different side of his talent from his dramatic work in Milagro.

Beyond these appearances, Vennera continued with occasional on-screen roles while establishing The Renegade Theatre and Film Group, where he taught acting for over a decade. His career spanned more than 40 years, including animated series like "Batman: The Animated Series" and video games.

Vennera passed away on July 7, 2021, at age 74 after a battle with cancer.

Sônia Braga (Ruby Archuleta): From Brazilian Star to International Icon

THEN: Already an established Brazilian star from films like Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands, 38-year-old Sônia Braga brought international recognition to the role of Ruby Archuleta, the fiery garage owner who mobilizes the community. Her magnetic screen presence and passion made Ruby the heart of the resistance.

NOW: At 74, Braga has experienced a remarkable career renaissance. After decades of steady work in American and Brazilian productions, she delivered what many critics consider her career-best performance in the acclaimed Brazilian film Aquarius (2016), playing Clara, a retired music critic fighting real estate developers threatening her home—a fascinating echo of her Milagro role.

Her recent accomplishments include:

• Starring in the award-winning Brazilian dystopian thriller Bacurau (2019)
• Appearing in the religious drama Fatima (2020) as Sister Lucia
• Being ranked #24 on The New York Times' list of 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century in 2020
• Continuing to work steadily across international productions

Braga's career journey demonstrates how great actors can find their most powerful roles at any age, with her recent work drawing some of the strongest critical acclaim of her five-decade career.

John Heard (Charlie Bloom): From Idealistic Lawyer to Beloved Movie Dad

THEN: At 42, John Heard played Charlie Bloom, the lawyer and newspaper editor who supports the townspeople's fight. Already established in films like After Hours (1985), Heard brought intellectual heft and moral conviction to the role of the outsider who finds his place in the community's struggle.

AFTER: Just two years after Milagro, Heard would land his most recognizable role as Peter McCallister, the father in the blockbuster Home Alone (1990) and its sequel—working again with his Milagro co-star Daniel Stern.

His post-Milagro career included:

• An Emmy nomination for his guest role as Vin Makazian on The Sopranos
• Memorable supporting roles in Big (1988), Beaches (1988), and Awakenings (1990)
• A steady stream of character work across film and television

Heard tragically died on July 21, 2017, at age 71 from a heart attack following back surgery. His career spanned over 200 roles across nearly five decades.

Christopher Walken (Kyril Montana): From Menacing Enforcer to Cultural Icon

THEN: Already an Oscar winner for The Deer Hunter (1978), 45-year-old Christopher Walken brought his distinctive intensity to Kyril Montana, the menacing enforcer sent to intimidate the rebellious townspeople. His unsettling presence added a genuine sense of threat to the story.

NOW: At 81, Walken has cemented his status as one of America's most iconic and versatile actors. His unmistakable delivery and presence have made him both a critical darling and pop culture phenomenon.

His remarkable post-Milagro career includes:

• Another Oscar nomination for Catch Me If You Can (2002)
• Scene-stealing turns in films like Pulp Fiction (1994) and Hairspray (2007)
• Recent acclaimed work in the Apple TV+ series Severance (2022-)
• A major role in Dune: Part Two (2024)

Walken has never stopped working, appearing in over 100 films and becoming one of the most imitated actors in Hollywood history. His career demonstrates extraordinary longevity and range, from villains to comedic roles.

Rubén Blades (Sheriff Bernabe Montoya): From Conflicted Lawman to Renaissance Man

THEN: At 40, Rubén Blades was already a Grammy-winning salsa superstar making inroads into acting when he took on the role of Sheriff Bernabe Montoya, the conflicted local lawman caught between duty and community. His nuanced performance captured the moral complexity of maintaining order while sympathizing with his neighbors.

NOW: At 76, Blades has built one of the most multifaceted careers of anyone in the Milagro cast, balancing success across music, acting, and even politics. His remarkable journey includes:

• Serving as Panama's Minister of Tourism (2004-2009)
• Running for President of Panama in 1994 (finishing third with 17% of the vote)
• Winning multiple Grammy Awards, including for Best Tropical Latin Album (2022)
• A long-running role as Daniel Salazar on Fear the Walking Dead (2016-2022)
• Continuing his prolific musical career with recent critically acclaimed albums

Blades holds degrees in political science and law, and remains active across all his professional spheres. His extraordinary career trajectory exemplifies how artistic vision can extend beyond entertainment into political and social impact.

Supporting Cast: Diverse Paths After Milagro

Hollywood Mainstays

• Melanie Griffith (Flossie Devine) received an Oscar nomination for Working Girl just months after Milagro's release and continued a successful film career.

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• Daniel Stern (Hersheimer) reunited with John Heard in Home Alone as the bumbling burglar Marv and became a comedy staple through the 1990s.

Those Who Left the Spotlight

• Julie Carmen (Nancy Mondragon) balanced acting with a career as a licensed psychotherapist specializing in creative block therapy.

• Carlos Riquelme (Amarante Cordova), already 74 during filming, passed away in 1990, leaving Milagro as one of his final performances.

Gone But Not Forgotten

• Richard Bradford (Ladd Devine) continued as a character actor in films and TV until his death in 2016 at age 81.

• James Gammon (Shorty) brought his weathered charm to roles like Lou Brown in Major League before passing in 2010.

• M. Emmet Walsh (Governor) continued his prolific character actor career with over 200 film and TV credits before his passing in March 2024 at age 88.

You Might Remember This If...

You found yourself utterly captivated by the mysterious angel who appears to elderly Amarante Cordova throughout the film, lending a touch of magical realism that elevates the story beyond simple social commentary. The angel's silent presence, coupled with Dave Grusin's Oscar-winning score that blends traditional New Mexican folk music with orchestral elements, creates an atmosphere that's stayed with me for decades.

The breathtaking New Mexico landscapes, filmed around the town of Truchas, showcase the kind of cinematography that can only be achieved on location. Those golden sunset scenes of Joe's beanfield gradually greening under the diverted water feel like a visual metaphor for community resistance—something that resonates perhaps even more strongly today.

The Film's Legacy

The Milagro Beanfield War received mixed reviews upon release but has developed a devoted following over the decades. Its Oscar win for Dave Grusin's score remains its most recognized achievement, though its cultural significance has grown with time.

As water rights and environmental justice issues have become increasingly urgent in the American Southwest, the film's themes feel remarkably prescient. Its portrayal of a Latino community fighting corporate interests was progressive for Hollywood in 1988 and remains powerful today.

For Redford, it represented his commitment to telling environmentally conscious stories with social impact—a thread that runs through much of his directorial work. The film's 35th anniversary in 2023 passed with little mainstream recognition, yet it remains a treasured discovery for those who appreciate its unique blend of community drama, magical realism, and environmental advocacy.

Rediscovering Milagro Today

Watching The Milagro Beanfield War today offers a fascinating time capsule of late-80s independent-minded filmmaking while showcasing early or defining performances from actors who would take remarkably different paths. From Braga's late-career renaissance to Blades' political career to Vennera's animated success, the cast's journeys reflect the unpredictable nature of Hollywood careers.

The themes of community resistance, environmental justice, and cultural preservation feel more relevant than ever. As we face increasing corporate control of natural resources and the erasure of local communities, Joe Mondragon's simple act of diverting water to his beanfield resonates as both practical resistance and powerful symbolism.

Have you revisited this hidden gem in Redford's directorial catalog? The unexpectedly magical story of Milagro's rebellion awaits rediscovery by a new generation of viewers—and perhaps a reassessment of its place in 1980s American cinema.