Tortilla Soup
Originally published on social media on June 8th, 2022
Do you ever recommend films to people by comparing it to other films and stories? I do! Here’s my description of Tortilla Soup from that perspective: it’s like the Latin American version of Fiddler on the Roof. Only this isn’t a musical, the traditions are not religiously based, and the story doesn’t always revolve around the idea of marriage. Oh and it takes place in 2000 America, not pre-revolutionary Russia. There are three sisters who break away from their dad’s expectations for them and sometimes step away from their family’s traditions. Many of these traditions revolve around recipes.
Initially, I figured Tortilla Soup had to be win because Héctor Elizondo is in it, but everything about this film far exceeded my expectations. This was proven to me in the first five minutes with the mouth watering cooking of an elaborate Hispanic dinner.
The food in this movie looked AMAZING and could make even the pickiest child (aka me at times) try things they would not be willing to try regularly. You know this emoji? It actually embodies me watching the food scenes in this film…that’s right I could practically feel my eyes turning into hearts.
Much of this plot is dedicated to the idea of sharing a pleasant meal together at the table, something that is dwindling from the typical American household. However, as this film shows, there is something truly special that happens when you share an elaborate meal together at the table, even when you don’t get along well. Time at the dinner table is a sacred, beautiful, and can be a very healing tradition.
What I loved about this film was that everyone finds love and peace with their lives in different ways. I just love films that have a happy ending, but not just a typical happy ending…an ending full of heart that speaks to your soul. Watch it, you’ll see what I mean.
Also, I loved the chemistry between all the actors; you can truly believe they are family! With that, the comedy in this film felt very natural and so did the occasional singing in the kitchen or breaking of plates.