Milagro is a small dusty community. Ladd Devine is the land baron planning to build a golf course resort. Mayor Sammy Cantu and Sheriff Bernabe Montoya enforce a water restriction against the farmers. In frustration, José Mondragon starts irrigating his field to grow beans. Local activist Ruby Archuleta recruits progressive cynical reporter Charlie Bloom to write about the conflict. Herbie Platt is from NYU doing sociology research. Joe offers his place in exchange for work. Fixer Kyril Montana comes in to stop Joe without having to arrest him which could cause political troubles.
Director Robert Redford tries to deliver something serious with whimsy. The problem is that the whimsy isn't whimsy enough and the serious is undercut by the lighter tone. The two sides don't mix with ease. José is too angry to root for completely. It would be great to have a more appealing lead like an old quiet farmer. The old man who talks to the invisible spirit would be a great option. That's also another problem. There are too many main characters. Some of them need to be combined. It's still an interesting watch but it does have some problems.
Director Robert Redford tries to deliver something serious with whimsy. The problem is that the whimsy isn't whimsy enough and the serious is undercut by the lighter tone. The two sides don't mix with ease. José is too angry to root for completely. It would be great to have a more appealing lead like an old quiet farmer. The old man who talks to the invisible spirit would be a great option. That's also another problem. There are too many main characters. Some of them need to be combined. It's still an interesting watch but it does have some problems.