Worth Watching, not for children, book is amazing! The movie "Like Water For Chocolate" is a different kind of movie to watch, but worth seeing. It tells the story of a Mexican family and the life they lead. It is full of everything your typical movie has, love, lust and lies. It reminds me in a way of a Mexican fairytale. Girl is in love with boy but can't have him, and has an evil mother always getting in the way of things and bossing her around. It focuses on family, tradition and a love like no other.
It incorporates food into the entire movie and really shows you just how important it is to what is going on. I love that the food becomes magical and can change emotions of the characters. It's magical how it all happens. It's interesting because some cultures really do believe in this. During this point when the movie is supposed to take place, the whole Mexican Revolution is going on. They portray this very well in a scene where they come to fight off Tita's family. It is a small scene but makes a big impact. The scenery used in the movie is absolutely beautiful and looks to authentic. There are many scenes where they show the countryside, it looks so beautiful.
The actors aren't bad, but however they could have done a better job at casting Mama Elena and John. John's character seems kind of a weaker and very plain character. Mama Elena doesn't even really look Mexican. Compared to the book the characters don't seem as well developed, but of course you will get that with most movies turned into a book. It has some good lines in it and seemed to follow directly along with the book. When watching the movie it is in Spanish with English subtitles. It is a little difficult to follow but overall just like any other movie with subtitles. I recommend not watching the dubbed version, it sounds horrible and you will not be able to concentrate on the movie. Compared to how typically Mexican movies normally end this one has a very different and unique ending, but a good one at that.
The movie is a lot like another movie I have seen, "Simply Irresistible" starring Sarah Michelle Geller, involving the whole idea of magical food. It has to do with a young chef when whatever emotions she feels when cooking it is then brought out again when she serves it to her customers at her restaurant. Both movies really do a good job at having food being such an important and magical aspect.
Overall it is a movie worth watching and if you like it you should definitely read the book. I think the book is a lot better, it's a page turner. I would also like to note that this movie is rated R. It is not intended for children. There are a few scenes that include full nudity. Also, if you don't have an active imagination or a love for food, this movie may not be for you.