Institute History
Description
The Maldonado Miracle is a radiantly buoyant and warmhearted film about the strengths and weakness of the human spirit that marks an auspicious directing debut for actress Salma Hayek.
With half the population closing up shop and moving away, the remaining citizens of San Ramos are giving up hope on their small dusty town. Even the town priest, Father Russell (Peter Fonda), is frustrated with his powerlessness to prevent the town from slipping away. But when his devout parishioner Josephina shrieks "Milagro, milagro!" upon witnessing what she believes to be blood dripping from the eyes of the Christ figure inside the church, the town becomes a magnet for religious pilgrims, fanatics, and the infirm, not to mention media and money interests. What the town doesn't know is that its hometown "miracle" is bound closely with the plight of a young boy, Jose Maldonado (Eddy Martin), an illegal immigrant who is desperately looking for his father and whom the townspeople are determined to capture and deport.
With a charming sense of humor, sardonic telenovella sentimentality, and wonderful performances by Fonda and Martin, The Maldonado Miracle is a delightful exploration of the fine line between faith and ambition.