Week 13 - Like Water for Chocolate

Like Water for Chocolate
The first thing I want to say is, that out of the three class movies assigned , this one was my favorite. The title of the movie offers a very fitting and multifaceted metaphor for the story. In Spanish, "como aqua para chocolate", is a saying that refers to passions, be it sexual or anger, that boil over. The story takes place in the era of the Mexican Revolution and the settings depicted in the movie seem accurate. I thought the photography and music score was excellent. The manner that this movie was done reminded me of the movie "The man from Snowy River" Liberal use of the artistic genre of "magical realism" is used in this story, originally published as a novel in 1989 by first-time Mexican novelist Laura Esquive. Magical Realism is defined as magical elements or illogical scenarios that appear in an otherwise realistic or even normal-like appearing settings. I mention this because the term Magical realism was first applied to the literature of Latin America.

It seems that it would be difficult for most viewers not to get caught up in the roller coaster of events that is portrayed in this dramatic and emotional story of a 15 year old girl named Tita, the youngest of three sisters, who is continually tormented and verbally abused by an overbearing dictator-like mother who chooses to carry on the traditional belief that the youngest daughter must not marry but take care of her mother until the day she dies. Because of this forced tradition Tito can never marry or be with the love of her life Pedro Muzquiz who is her chosen soul mate. The story surrounds the forbidden love between Pedro and Tita that begins the tale of true love, family traditions and family secrets.

Because she is oppressed, Tita's love and emotions are transferred into love for her cooking and the cooking allows her to express the concealed feelings she has for him. Just as strong as her passion is for food, Tita's and Pedro's enthusiasm for each other surpasses all boundaries of time and the archaic familial obligations. In my Italian family love was clearly shown through cooking and food. The personality of Tita, is brought vividly to life in the movie and I can identify with her in full having grown up in a somewhat similar family.

Some of other characters are much more patchily depicted, especially Tita's love, Pedro, who remains a puzzle. In as much as Pedro is uncontrollably drawn to Tita by his sexual desires, there doesn't seem like there is any other basis for their relationship. Nevertheless, you wind up captured in the story and most of the the characters. You laugh at the comedic moments and smile when good things happen, and then are sad when unfortunate events tear at their lives and hearts. As the story continues, In order to be closer to Tita, Pedro winds up marrying her older sister Rosaura who although not a very formidable sister, gets caught up in her mother's scheme to marry Tita's love, Pedro. Of course, this further makes her life more miserable. Mama Elena and Rosaura's characters serve to represent the impediment in Tita's life.

The story contains the elements of forbidden romance laced with the deception and lies of a soap opera. To me, the final scene of the movie represents the most magical and romantic moment in the movie. At last, Tita and Pedro are finally together. At the height of their lovemaking, Pedro dies. Upon realization of his death,Tita begins consume matches one by one. As she chews them, she lies next to Pedro's dead body and thinks of all the memories she had with him, which causes the spark that sets them and the ranch in flames. As their bodies burn in the flames, Tita and Pedro's soul join and live on forever. This romantic ending interweaved with magical realism finalizes the love tale.

Friere spoke and wrote of the effects of oppression. The power of oppression and how it affects the lives of people when people are silenced and traditions blindly followed are told and visually demonstrated throughout this movie. It is also portrayed how the destructive behavior is passed down throughout the generations. In the culture of the extended latino family (and other cultures) everyone lives under the same roof in order to survive. The archaic ethnic "traditions" are supported by the older generations on the household. Friere was sent to prison for teaching reading. Tita, like Paulo Freire, was a threat to the established order of her family as Fiere was to his country Brazil. Tita might as well have been imprisoned as she was held captive by a parent perpetuating her own distress.

This story also illustrates how oppression kills your spirit as demonstrated with Tita’s breakdown and depression. This story is humanly universal and transcends all borders. You can easily imagine this type of oppression taking place in many different country's ethnic cultures including ours.


Comments on Last Weeks Posts

Michelle commented that Freire’s ideas especially about government and religion are huge in the film Camila.

Logan said that it was clear tha both Camila and Father Gutierrez were oppressed by the laws of a dictator.

Susan noted that people who had authority used violence to run their country because it made them feel that they were in charge and no one would dare to question their action or words.

Theresa said that the story of Camila exemplifies the struggles of oppression in the Argentine society as a result of Rosas' dictatorship and the affect of his rule over personal and political freedom.

Brandon commented that Its a story about the struggle for freedom and the evil power suppressing it, in this case a government.

Maria noted that From the very beginning of the film they show how knowledge can make a person stronger.

Melissa said no one can control whom they fall in love with.

Nancy commented that this (story) is an inspiration to every culture to live from the heart and be true to our convictions.

Stacy said that struggles for identity and connection and freedom from oppression, requires listening to your own voice... even when speaking it can mean death.

Kim said The couple can not manage to fight back against the strong religious culture that they live within. Even when they live else where, it still follows them. The upper classes have a total disregard for the two “sinners”