JEREMY JOJOLA

Perhaps there is no other film that captures the true whimsical characteristics of northern New Mexico like The Milagro Beanfield War, which is based on the book by John Nichols. 

The film, directed by Robert Redford, hit theaters 35 years ago and remains one of my most favorite movies. The story captures the social challenges and quirkiness of life within the ancient tiny New Mexico villages found dotted throughout the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 

The character Amarante Cordova, an old timer who lives in a crumbling adobe home barely standing, is one of my favorite literary personas. He embodies the viejitos of the north who do funny things and are keepers of culturally rich superstitions and warnings.

“And be sure not to lean too far back on the seat in the outhouse or let your testicles swing up under the wood. Black widows,” Cordova says to the oblivious and out-of-place anglo character Herbie Platt (played by Daniel Stern). 

The movie, which was largely filmed in Truchas, features locals as extras and is considered one of the first American films to capture “magical realism,” with supernatural forces impacting the plot. Perhaps this is why The Milagro Beanfield War remains so magical and special for so many people in the north. 

Back when I was a reporter in Albuquerque, I did a television news story on KOB-TV the day when The Milagro Beanfield War was released on DVD. That morning I managed to have a Best Buy employee save me a copy while I got Freddy Fender (who played Milagro Mayor Sammy Cantu) and author John Nichols on the phone for interviews. ¡Que milagro! 

(If only I had a copy of that story from the early 2000s, I’d post it here.)

This week, actress Julie Carmen who played Nancy Mondragon shared on her instagram Rep. Joaquin Castro nominated the film for the National Film Registry. I’m not sure if it will make the esteemed list which will come out in December, but it doesn’t matter in my heart. 

While The Milagro Beanfield War may not be considered a cinematic masterpiece among the mainstream film critics and influential aficionados, it’s indeed an everlasting and special film for the people of northern New Mexico. 

Long before New Mexico began attracting big budget films through tax incentives, The Milagro Beanfield War is among the first Hollywood movies that puts a special focus on the people who have called the north home for hundreds of years.

I have so many quotes I love in the film, but by far my favorite is from Amarante Cordova. 

“Nobody would do anything if they knew what they were in for,” Cordova says.

This may sound weird, but if I ever find myself living near my family’s remote village in northern New Mexico with the ability to talk to angels and saints while my pet pig terrorizes my neighbors, I’ll be quite content like Amarante Cordova. 

¡Lupita!