Tortilla Soup (2001)

A Mexican-American master chef and father to three daughters has lost his taste for food but not for life.

Director:

Maria Ripoll

Writers:

Hui-Ling Wang (earlier screenplay), Ang Lee (earlier screenplay),

Stars:

Jacqueline Obradors, Tamara Mello, Judy Herrera

2 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jacqueline Obradors	...	Carmen Naranjo
Tamara Mello	...	Maribel Naranjo
Judy Herrera	...	Eden
Nikolai Kinski	...	Andy
Elizabeth Peña	...	Leticia Naranjo
Constance Marie	...	Yolanda
Troy Ruptash	...	Hairdresser
Ken Marino	...	Jeff
Hector Elizondo	...	Martin Naranjo
Marisabel García	...	April
Julio Oscar Mechoso	...	Gomez
Louis Crugnali	...	Catering Assistant
Raquel Welch	...	Hortensia
Joel Joan	...	Antonio Urgell
Paul Rodriguez	...	Orlando Castillo

Storyline

Retired Mexican-American chef Martin Naranjo shares an L.A. home with his three gorgeous, but single, adult daughters. Though he long ago lost his ability to taste, Martin still lives to cook incredibly lavish dinners for his loved ones and to serve them in a family-style ritual at traditional sit-down meals. Although the women humor their father's old-fashioned ways, each of them is searching for fulfillment outside the family circle. College student Maribel is growing increasingly frustrated with the singles scene and wants a steady man; gorgeous career woman Carmen is fed up with her boyfriend and his wandering eye; meanwhile, eldest daughter Letitia, who has suppressed her own romantic longings, senses something missing in her life. Things take a turn for the romantic when Dad, a widower, meets a vivacious divorcee on the lookout for a mate and each of his daughters, in turn, finds someone. But they'll all discover that the recipe for happiness may call for some unexpected ...

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Plot Keywords:

chef | mexican american | divorcee | retired | food | 

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Taglines:

A comedy to arouse your appetite.

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexual content

Details

Official Sites:

Sur La Table

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

23 August 2002 (UK)

Also Known As:

Sopa de tortilla

Filming Locations:

El Segundo, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$653,729 (USA) (24 August 2001)

Gross:

$4,447,014 (USA) (14 December 2001)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Samuel Goldwyn Films, Starz! Encore Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The food that Martin Naranjo cooks was prepared by Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger who run restaurants in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

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Goofs

At the end when Carmen is leaving the kitchen to serve her family, at first she has one plate with out the lobster, then when she is leaving the kitchen, as she is turning the corner, she has the plate with a lobster. Then, coming out of the kitchen, the lobster has disappeared, then reappears again when she turns towards the tables.

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Quotes

Orlando Castillo: I love toppings. Sometimes I go to restaurants and I just order toppings.

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Connections

Remake of Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

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Soundtracks

"A Ballar"
Written by Scott Nickoley, Patricio Castillo and Jamie Dunlap
Performed by Patricio Castillo

User Reviews

Family Cooking...

Well, well, it's hard to describe this film. Sometimes you always feel good when you're watching a film. I don't know exactly the reason. I just know that in some occasions you fell not so good because of the events that occur in one film. Here it's about feeling good.

It's very comforting to see Hector Elizondo here. I have always liked him. And I have never thought of his acting qualities, or evaluated him as an actor, I just have always had fun watching him on screen. This movie is no exception. I gotta give him the fact that he actually looks like a cook (chef). He actually seems to enjoy the meals he prepares daily. And also seems his family, people who love him. And there wouldn't be much a film without this love.

Martin's (Elizondo) three daughters are the center of the film, of course, including their dad. Tamara Bello is beautiful. It's the first time I see her in a movie, but there's such charm in her face, and she makes Maribel the kind of girl some teenagers may identify with.

Leticia (Peña) is also some kind of misteryous, but understandable. We get her situation, and maybe know there's no way out. But we are also by her side, when she has the time to improve. She has kept his feelings for too long, as if she was obliged to, and know she's desperate to let them go.

Carmen (Obradors) might be the opposite. She has let her feelings go, but has kept some of them inside also. It is like she knows she must take some decisions, and she takes them, only she may not be so sure, she may just think she is.

The rest of the actors are perfect choices, and make each of the characters they play another part of this charming film.

I'm hungry...