The Maldonado Miracle (2002)

This inspirational movie by first-time director and Academy Award® nominee Salma Hayek, tells the story of a spiritually and financially bankrupt town in need of hope until one day a young boy gives them something to believe in. The Maldonado Miracle is an uplifting family movie with extraordinary performances by Academy Award® nominees, Peter Fonda and Mare Winningham and Emmy® Award nominee Ruben Blades.

A Wonderful Surprise

I found this film on the shelf of the public library. I had never heard of it and didn't expect much from Salma Hayak as a director. However the cast: Ruben Blades, Peter Fonda and Mare Winningham assured me that this must have some value. Still, as I put it in the DVD player I feared it would be another sappy inspirational film, maybe a take off on the wonderful Milagro Beanfield War (which also featured Blades).

One of the good things about a DVD is you can always turn it off if you don't like it, so I took a chance. At first I was still skeptical--another Mexican border town sentimental tale. But I quickly got into it and, in very little time I was hooked. The cast really helps. Peter Fonda is an excellent priest! His quiet gravity was charming, and yes, he is always sexy. Mare Winningham has a relatively easy job, playing a stock character--the down-to-earth plain talking cafe owner with a heart of gold, but she does it perfectly, so no complaints there. Ruben Blades, long a favorite of mine, is the rumpled looking bar owner, whose periodic small advances toward her have always met with her usual salty rejections. The fact that they manage to progress past that point is one of the many miracles that occurs when the town is shaken up by the presence of blood on the crucifix in the church. There is a scene between them when Blades asks her if he can still come back and eat eggs at the diner, in which he is to-die-for adorable!

The hero, is a small Mexican illegal who has crossed the border looking for his father. He is played by a wonderful boy who, with Hayak's direction, avoids making the part overly cute or sentimental.

The story unfolds naturally and all of the major and minor players do a great job in contributing to the color and activity of the film.

In short the film is a simple reminder of the human need for hope, sometimes coming by signs and wonders. I laughed and cried and was totally uplifted by watching it. Cynics will hate it but that's their loss. I highly recommend it to anyone who still possesses the ability to believe in miracles. August 17, 2008

Great Movie

I love movies that are simple and inspirational. This movie is one of those. The setting is a town breathing its last breath and many of the local town folks are dealing with important life struggles. Something unusual breathes new life into the town and the towns people. Was it a coincidence or a miracle?

The acting is good, setting perfect and characters people can relate too. June 10, 2008

What is a miracle?

I used this with an adult church group. We worked around the question of, 'What is a miracle?' Everyone enjoyed it and discussion afterwards was lively. We came to the conclusion that God works many more subtle miracles in the everyday lives of people than spectacular events that are contrary to nature. Our group enjoyed this low budget film much more than such well known films as "Amazing Grace" and "The Nativity Story." March 31, 2008

Miraculous? Si!

While I try to steer clear of movies involving an extremely heavy religious message, I do occasionally gamble on a positive message involving film That may have religious undertones. Maldonado Miracle is not only the latter, but is a true masterpiece of human drama. By the film's end, we see a far more pleasing miracle than the appearance of the blood on the Christ statue that sets the stage for most of the film. It is a miracle of how the boy is rewarded for his perserverance, and the wonderful element of what appears to be chance that makes it all happen. Everyone performs above expectation, especially the boy. If you need a pick me up movie with excellent acting and direction, Maldonado Miracle should be high on your list. March 22, 2008

What A Pleasant Surprise!

I just watched this tonight with a little trepidation,wondering if it was just another "Miracle Of Marcellino",which is another great movie,by the way,that also involves a Christ on A Cross. Imagine my surprise to find this is a completely different story,and yet so good I must own it as well. I was completely draw into the characters and the story,and I was also very happy with the music and songs,especially the song at the beginning and the one the boy Jose sings is beautiful. I am always delighted as a Christian to find an inoffensive movie that is not only "safe" viewing for the family,but high quality and great entertainment as well,as admittedly many movies with a Christian theme, such as the Left Behind ones are soooo bad! I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in this. February 19, 2006

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