Better than the ordinary Hollywood movie, this family comedy does a very nice job of presenting a variety of characters in the throes of pursuing their own version of the American Dream. That the family is Mexican-American adds a welcome difference. The camera loves the food being prepared, the Latin-flavored music score enlivens the proceedings, and the acting is quite serviceable. Jacqueline Obrador and Elizabeth Pena shine as the older daughters in the family, the always-reliable Hector Elizondo is fine in a rare leading role. Of greatest interest, however, may be Raquel Welch, playing her age and her ethnicity for the first time in my memory. It is her role, not her performance, that mars the movie. She is a caricature of an older-middle-aged unattached woman, the butt of unkind jokes. And it is the unwitting bias toward the older woman character that undermines the otherwise upbeat, happy ending intended. Still, this one's worth the cost of a rental. Not great art but at least it doesn't insult the viewers' intelligence.
69 Reviews
Don't understand why movie is rated so low.
gandalf-3131 January 2005
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this film. We had wanted to see this when it first came to video/DVD but didn't get to it. Frankly, I then forgot about it. Last week, I was reminded of the movie and went out and rented it.
I have not seen the Ang Lee movie, "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman" so can not comment on how it compares. But we really liked "Tortilla Soup" The performance by the cast of Elizondo, Pena, Obradors and unknown (to me) Mello; was very good. Raquel Welch was a bit over the top, but all in good fun. The interaction between the father (Elizondo) and daughters was believable and you could sense the love he had for them under his stern exterior (and you knew his daughters knew it too).
As others have mentioned, the food preparation and serving scenes were colorful and very beautiful. Shows there is a lot more to Mexican cuisine than what you run into at most restaurants.
This movie will make you smile, like enjoying a good meal. 8 out of 10
I have not seen the Ang Lee movie, "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman" so can not comment on how it compares. But we really liked "Tortilla Soup" The performance by the cast of Elizondo, Pena, Obradors and unknown (to me) Mello; was very good. Raquel Welch was a bit over the top, but all in good fun. The interaction between the father (Elizondo) and daughters was believable and you could sense the love he had for them under his stern exterior (and you knew his daughters knew it too).
As others have mentioned, the food preparation and serving scenes were colorful and very beautiful. Shows there is a lot more to Mexican cuisine than what you run into at most restaurants.
This movie will make you smile, like enjoying a good meal. 8 out of 10
Family Cooking...
jpschapira7 February 2005
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...
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...
A Remake of Eat Drink Man & Woman, both are excellent
joelbarrybrandt31 January 2005
This is an exact almost word for word copy of Eat Drink Man Woman, a 1994 Twainese production. Both movies are great, but Tortilla soup looses points for lack of originality.
Both movies offer sharp portrayals of their various cuisines, and your preference may be Mexican vs.Chinese, however if you can tolerate the fast pace Chinese dialog (subtitles), see the original first. I also preferred the scenery of the original (Eat Drink Man Woman), but perhaps that is because Taiwan is the orient and the architecture is spectacular.
Finally, both movies are well acted although the lifestyle portrayed in the story line may be somewhat more believable in the Southern California setting of Tortilla Soup.
Both movies offer sharp portrayals of their various cuisines, and your preference may be Mexican vs.Chinese, however if you can tolerate the fast pace Chinese dialog (subtitles), see the original first. I also preferred the scenery of the original (Eat Drink Man Woman), but perhaps that is because Taiwan is the orient and the architecture is spectacular.
Finally, both movies are well acted although the lifestyle portrayed in the story line may be somewhat more believable in the Southern California setting of Tortilla Soup.
Pleasant, but pale remake
mozu31 August 2002
"Tortilla Soup" is certainly worth watching, even if you have already seen "Eat Drink Man Woman," but I would have enjoyed it much more if I hadn't seen the original version. I kept making comparisons throughout the whole movie. Ang Lee's characters just seemed more genuine, the food more mouthwatering, & the story more believable. I wonder if I'd feel the same if I had seen "Tortilla Soup" first...
Just lacking...
sethompson-8077518 July 2021
This Soup Has A Zesty Taste
CitizenCaine31 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Tortilla Soup is a Mexican-American remake of Ang Lee's earlier Eat Drink Man Woman. Hector Elizondo stars as a family patriarch facing a late life crisis, living with three adult daughters: Elizabeth Pena, Jacqueline Obradors, and Tamara Mello. Each daughter has her own interpersonal crisis to face as well: Being socially withdrawn, trying to please one's parent instead of one's self, and trying to find one's identity distinct from one's family. Mexican cuisine is at the center of the comedy/drama prepared by Elizondo's chef character for each Sunday dinner. At each gathering, a different person expresses proposals to the others present as solutions to their dilemmas. Throw a sizzling, marriage-minded widow into the mix, played by Raquel Welch, and stir with her adult daughter (Constance Marie) who is a single mother and the soup is just right. The script is somewhat weak and formulaic because this is simply a remake, but the actors all shine and make the most of the material, especially Elizabeth Pena (as a withdrawn schoolteacher) and Paul Rodriguez (as a high school coach). The cinematography is sumptuous, especially the food scenes; the colors are reminiscent of Mexican culture. The music is wonderfully lively with ethnic flavoring, especially the very famous Spanish song "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps". *** of 4 stars.
One of the most enjoyable movies in a long time.
mgvolpe17 September 2002
I thoroughly got swept up in the story and the characters. It was wonderful seeing an adult movie without all the foul language that seems to overwhelm Hollywood at the moment. The acting was just perfect from everyone. I would watch this movie over and over again. Of course I like to eat and the food scenes reminded me of watching Emeril Live.
Nice movie
tarmar-125-25339329 September 2020
Could Be (and was!) Much Better Done
chron3 August 2003
This has a wonderful plot. The father of grown daughters suffers the generational clash and cultural clash of old vs. new. This is an hispanic (but English language)remake of the Chinese film "Eat Drink, Man, Women". Both show the writing credits of Ang Lee. This falls far short of the original.
I saw "Eat, Drink..." a few years ago. Although, my wife tends to dislike subtitled movies, she tolerated this one for me. We both loved it. It was well written, directed and acted. "Tortilla Soup" is an ok movie, but failed to keep my attention in the same way that "Eat, Drink..." did. The acting was OK. The direction seemed ok as well. I can't put my finger on why, exactly, but this movie just isn't as good.
Unless you absolutely refuse to view subtitled movies, definitely forego this in favor of "Eat, Drink, Man, Women".
I saw "Eat, Drink..." a few years ago. Although, my wife tends to dislike subtitled movies, she tolerated this one for me. We both loved it. It was well written, directed and acted. "Tortilla Soup" is an ok movie, but failed to keep my attention in the same way that "Eat, Drink..." did. The acting was OK. The direction seemed ok as well. I can't put my finger on why, exactly, but this movie just isn't as good.
Unless you absolutely refuse to view subtitled movies, definitely forego this in favor of "Eat, Drink, Man, Women".
Wonderful Film!
TBRoberts121 August 2002
I highly recommend "Tortilla Soup" to anyone that is a fan of great films. Hector Elizondo is perfect as the veteran chef who has to accept that his three grown daughters are finally moving on with their lives. The cast runs smoothly throughout the whole movie, and by the time it ends you feel better about life. It is a very up-lifting and feel-good movie, and I think it is perfect to anyone that either needs that or wants that in their life. Enjoy...
Another version of Eat Drink Man Woman
ngocha129422 September 2020
From the first shots, I thought of "Eat Drink Man Woman", and turns out, I was right! The film copies the same plot as the 1994 film by Ang Lee, with mouth watering cooking scenes and the story line of three daughters and their father, but with a different cuisine and some differences. I strongly prefer "Eat Drink Man Woman", but can't deny that it was still entertaining to watch "Tortilla Soup", even though I knew how the plot would go all the way through the end. I would recommend everyone to watch Ang Lee's film first, but if you are more partial to the Mexican cuisine and culture, then this would be a great treat for you!
Remake of EAT, DRINK, MAN, WOMAN given a Latin twist of lemon
vampire_hounddog21 August 2020
In LA, a Mexican American chef (Hector Elizondo) has problems with his three grown up daughters and tries to remain the patriarch to the family for them all.
Foodie analogies are abound in this fairly genteel family drama. It is a remake of Ang Lee's EAT, DRINK, MAN, WOMAN (1994) and is able to remain faithfull to Lee's film and comes over quite well. Raquel Welch, while a highlight in the film is hit and miss as Elizondo's brassy and blousey girlfriend in this light, but fun film.
Foodie analogies are abound in this fairly genteel family drama. It is a remake of Ang Lee's EAT, DRINK, MAN, WOMAN (1994) and is able to remain faithfull to Lee's film and comes over quite well. Raquel Welch, while a highlight in the film is hit and miss as Elizondo's brassy and blousey girlfriend in this light, but fun film.
Thought this was a "Chic Film"...it's not
ebert_jr26 January 2002
Tortilla soup is all about family and food (dinner) and how each really draws inspiration from the other. The food is the hub from which the drama, and the laughs, turn.
Three daughters, each at different phases of their lives, are torn between their home lives ruled by their stern but loving father and the outside world. Dad, a chef, spoils them with some of the best nuevo spanish cuisine any latina daughter could ever possibly hope for, and has instilled in each an appreciation of food, and life. Dad is single, realizes he is about to lose the core of his family one by one and food is all he has, or so he thinks. Just when you think he'll be alone to cook for himself, surprises come in spades. And, as always, it's the food that draws them all back.
Three daughters, each at different phases of their lives, are torn between their home lives ruled by their stern but loving father and the outside world. Dad, a chef, spoils them with some of the best nuevo spanish cuisine any latina daughter could ever possibly hope for, and has instilled in each an appreciation of food, and life. Dad is single, realizes he is about to lose the core of his family one by one and food is all he has, or so he thinks. Just when you think he'll be alone to cook for himself, surprises come in spades. And, as always, it's the food that draws them all back.
Eat, drink, and burp
=G=17 January 2002
Obviously missing the master's touch, the "Tortilla Soup" knock-off of Lee's wonderful "Yin shi nan nu" is a typical tier-two Hollywood production. On the downside the film misses the Hispanic mark, didn't make me hungry like "What's Cooking", and smells like a tv soap...stiff, scripted, but slick. Mello is so cute I could puke, Welch is silly, Obradors is just another pretty face talking like a smart person, and the only distaff who nailed her role (as usual) was Pena. On the upside, the shoot is good quality and the film does have it's moments. Not for cinema purists, "TS" will be most enjoyed by those into chick flicks.
Watchable, often quite lievly remake of Ang Lee pic
Quinoa198425 September 2001
Tortilla Soup gives a good showcase for a number of stars, some famous, some not, and one star gets a top billing- Hector Elizondo, which is a nice touch. It tells of a father, who is also a chef, and also has three daughters living under his roof, all starting to fall in love (as he may as well). Gives a good number of enjoyable moments and sweet natured performances to pass the time nicely, althought it often also skims a little too much on the comedy/drama line. Racquel Welch also has a small part as a grandmother (though a hot one).
Based on a Ang Lee film from years back. Speaking of Lee, I'd just like to amend what I wrote in my review of Crouching Tiger- he didn't direct Joy Luck Club after all. B
Based on a Ang Lee film from years back. Speaking of Lee, I'd just like to amend what I wrote in my review of Crouching Tiger- he didn't direct Joy Luck Club after all. B
VERY ENJOYABLE.... AND TRULY DIFFERENT!!!
Tony-Kiss-Castillo11 January 2024
Anytime I see DIFFERENT... I am REALLY pleased! BUT... BEFORE diving in....
FIRST... Let us FOCUS on the Title´s content and context:
When Maribel (Tamara Mello) learns her Brazilian boyfriend Andy (Nikolai Kinski) speaks 5 languages. She's duly impressed. She zings a question: "What do you call a person who speaks several languages?" He quickly responds: "A polyglot?"..."OK," She continues, "and a person who speaks 2 languages?"..."Ahhh, BEE-lingual?" He says, flubbing the pronunciation. Her final question: "And what about a person who speaks only ONE Language?" "Ahhhhh" He pauses....prompting her to answer her own rhetorical question/cultural joke: "...An AMERICAN!!!"
In a way, this joke almost sums up the movie. Those of you who are fluent in 2 or more languages, will probably get it! Many of you who are MONO-lingual might shrug your shoulders, smirk, and simply say..."Yeah.... So WHAT?!?"
For years, I have put off seeing SOUP because it was a remake of EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN. Big mistake, that! Now just because I've rated this 9********* (vs.8.5* for EAT DRINK) doesn't mean I expect most of you to rate it 8* or higher!
Look, SOUP takes place in L. A., where I grew up. Also, all my life I've been exposed to bilingual/bicultural Hispanic families from many different countries! (My MOM-May she R. I. P. Was Colombian! Certainly, SOUP is far from perfect, but I loved it!
WHY? First, I thought Raquel Welch (Birth name: Jo Raquel Tejada, of Bolivian/Irish parents) was absolutely hilarious. What a talented comedienne...What uncanny timing and delivery! Such a tragedy she wasn't offered more juicy roles, like this one.
She was 60 years old when this was made! WOW! BTW-Interesting Wikipedia fact: Welch was the last star in HOLLYWOOD created under the star system!
TRULY Well integrated cast (no pun intended) delivering a delightful ensemble performance. Hector Elizondo's Spanish, oddly enough, was slightly off and belied the fact that his character was an immigrant, but his nuanced performance made that easy to overlook. WARNING: Don't watch this movie with an appetite! It would be torture...
ENJOY! / DISFRUTELA!
Any Comments, Questions or Observations... in ENGLISH o en ESPAÑOL.. Are most WELCOME!
FIRST... Let us FOCUS on the Title´s content and context:
When Maribel (Tamara Mello) learns her Brazilian boyfriend Andy (Nikolai Kinski) speaks 5 languages. She's duly impressed. She zings a question: "What do you call a person who speaks several languages?" He quickly responds: "A polyglot?"..."OK," She continues, "and a person who speaks 2 languages?"..."Ahhh, BEE-lingual?" He says, flubbing the pronunciation. Her final question: "And what about a person who speaks only ONE Language?" "Ahhhhh" He pauses....prompting her to answer her own rhetorical question/cultural joke: "...An AMERICAN!!!"
In a way, this joke almost sums up the movie. Those of you who are fluent in 2 or more languages, will probably get it! Many of you who are MONO-lingual might shrug your shoulders, smirk, and simply say..."Yeah.... So WHAT?!?"
For years, I have put off seeing SOUP because it was a remake of EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN. Big mistake, that! Now just because I've rated this 9********* (vs.8.5* for EAT DRINK) doesn't mean I expect most of you to rate it 8* or higher!
Look, SOUP takes place in L. A., where I grew up. Also, all my life I've been exposed to bilingual/bicultural Hispanic families from many different countries! (My MOM-May she R. I. P. Was Colombian! Certainly, SOUP is far from perfect, but I loved it!
WHY? First, I thought Raquel Welch (Birth name: Jo Raquel Tejada, of Bolivian/Irish parents) was absolutely hilarious. What a talented comedienne...What uncanny timing and delivery! Such a tragedy she wasn't offered more juicy roles, like this one.
She was 60 years old when this was made! WOW! BTW-Interesting Wikipedia fact: Welch was the last star in HOLLYWOOD created under the star system!
TRULY Well integrated cast (no pun intended) delivering a delightful ensemble performance. Hector Elizondo's Spanish, oddly enough, was slightly off and belied the fact that his character was an immigrant, but his nuanced performance made that easy to overlook. WARNING: Don't watch this movie with an appetite! It would be torture...
ENJOY! / DISFRUTELA!
Any Comments, Questions or Observations... in ENGLISH o en ESPAÑOL.. Are most WELCOME!
Don't treat me like a slut just because I've had sex in this decade.
sharky_5524 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Tortilla Soup is a lively remake of Ang Lee's excellent Eat Drink Man Woman, with much of the plot, dialogue and even shots replicated in a Hispanic cultural context. Seeing this I was reminded of how masterful the original's script was, how it elegantly balanced each of the daughter's strands against the ageing, traditional father. It took its time to reveal their cultural and generational differences - here, within minutes of the movie's opening, the family grievances are immediately aired out. The classic beginning, a wordless sequence of an artist crafting his food, is breezily intercut with each subplot of the daughters' lives.
Familiarly, the semi-retired master chef Martin is regularly summoned to the restaurant to save the day, to make cuisine out of burnt mistakes. His entrance is even more theatrical than the original - he enters the back door and is immediately catered to by a throng of assistants, their long metal arms assembling his chef's uniform. It's like Iron Man suiting up for battle, and to Martin the kitchen is the front line. The food he serves may be delicious, as confirmed by the many guests at his dinner table, but what about the photography? Ang Lee and Jong Lin gave us wafts of steam, they gave us glistening closeups of fatty meat, they gave us juice and sauce. They evoked the senses through the screen - what great food movies do to not only worship craftsmanship, but also make the audience salivate. The food in Tortilla Soup is dull by comparison, and the photography closer to that of a TV special.
And what is the overall theme of the meals? "Call it something French", Martin proclaims of his improvised mishmash of buttered bread and baked apple. The sous chef then smacks his lips and kisses his hand like an Italian. Are we in Mexico, or are we in Europe? The strength of the original was how it tied food to cultural identity, and how the boom of fast food and canteen lunches drove a wedge between two generations. Mr Chu had a proud exterior, but gained big puppy eyes when he saw how the art of xiaolongbao had been desecrated. Héctor Elizondo has almost none of this vulnerability, although he plays the well-meaning father figure well, with patience and sometimes bemused expressions. His youngest is turned into a vapid generational marker: highlights in her hair, a quick wit, and lines so 'hip' that it seems the writer had an epiphany and then couldn't bare to part with them even when they didn't work.
Maria Ripoll, to her credit, has improved on the eldest daughter, who was merely a frigid spinster type, playing off the old schoolteacher trope. But Elizabeth Peña is livelier, more playful, especially in the mirror when she thinks no one is watching her. She hints at the long forgotten sisterly bonds that have faded with age, and when she is caught twirling her hair like a smitten schoolgirl, the quarrels suddenly hurtle back years. Her 'makeover' isn't one sister helping another catch the eye of a man, but two little girls playing dress up, giggling and whispering of crushes. Their kitchen musical show runs along the same lines, and later with this newfound liberation she uses the smashed plate to great effect, and relief.
One final note that I see hasn't been mentioned is the language of the film, which threw me a curveball. They all talk in almost perfectly accented English, and at times it sounds like a bad dub. It doesn't help that the dialogue seems to be mixed slightly louder than the rest of the soundtrack. But this is years of conflicting experiences with blockbusters talking. Am I so set in my ways that I can't accept Mexicans without their typecast accent, like how the bumbling Orlando speaks? The film breaks these Hollywood conventions and says, "Yes, these are Mexicans too, and yes, they are as authentic as those wearing sombreros and gobbling down tacos". That is something invaluable.
Familiarly, the semi-retired master chef Martin is regularly summoned to the restaurant to save the day, to make cuisine out of burnt mistakes. His entrance is even more theatrical than the original - he enters the back door and is immediately catered to by a throng of assistants, their long metal arms assembling his chef's uniform. It's like Iron Man suiting up for battle, and to Martin the kitchen is the front line. The food he serves may be delicious, as confirmed by the many guests at his dinner table, but what about the photography? Ang Lee and Jong Lin gave us wafts of steam, they gave us glistening closeups of fatty meat, they gave us juice and sauce. They evoked the senses through the screen - what great food movies do to not only worship craftsmanship, but also make the audience salivate. The food in Tortilla Soup is dull by comparison, and the photography closer to that of a TV special.
And what is the overall theme of the meals? "Call it something French", Martin proclaims of his improvised mishmash of buttered bread and baked apple. The sous chef then smacks his lips and kisses his hand like an Italian. Are we in Mexico, or are we in Europe? The strength of the original was how it tied food to cultural identity, and how the boom of fast food and canteen lunches drove a wedge between two generations. Mr Chu had a proud exterior, but gained big puppy eyes when he saw how the art of xiaolongbao had been desecrated. Héctor Elizondo has almost none of this vulnerability, although he plays the well-meaning father figure well, with patience and sometimes bemused expressions. His youngest is turned into a vapid generational marker: highlights in her hair, a quick wit, and lines so 'hip' that it seems the writer had an epiphany and then couldn't bare to part with them even when they didn't work.
Maria Ripoll, to her credit, has improved on the eldest daughter, who was merely a frigid spinster type, playing off the old schoolteacher trope. But Elizabeth Peña is livelier, more playful, especially in the mirror when she thinks no one is watching her. She hints at the long forgotten sisterly bonds that have faded with age, and when she is caught twirling her hair like a smitten schoolgirl, the quarrels suddenly hurtle back years. Her 'makeover' isn't one sister helping another catch the eye of a man, but two little girls playing dress up, giggling and whispering of crushes. Their kitchen musical show runs along the same lines, and later with this newfound liberation she uses the smashed plate to great effect, and relief.
One final note that I see hasn't been mentioned is the language of the film, which threw me a curveball. They all talk in almost perfectly accented English, and at times it sounds like a bad dub. It doesn't help that the dialogue seems to be mixed slightly louder than the rest of the soundtrack. But this is years of conflicting experiences with blockbusters talking. Am I so set in my ways that I can't accept Mexicans without their typecast accent, like how the bumbling Orlando speaks? The film breaks these Hollywood conventions and says, "Yes, these are Mexicans too, and yes, they are as authentic as those wearing sombreros and gobbling down tacos". That is something invaluable.
Never saw the original (was that a good thing?).
moviedude128 November 2008
I liked Hector Elizondo ever since I saw him in "Pretty Woman" and this movie is definitely no exception.
All right, I admit it. I like "chick flicks" and I'm not afraid to admit it. I can sit in front of this computer and glance at the television screen each time the scene changes and not have to look back. This is one of those films, but when Elizondo gets to cooking, all I can do is sit there and stare in envy at some of the things he can do with food. As much as he's succeeded with his profession in the kitchen, he sort of feel likes he's failed in the family department; not so much because any of his three daughters have failed at anything (quite the contrary), but because he feels like he's failed in teaching his family heritage to them and its values. He also feels pride in his work as a very accomplished chef, even though, as we find out early on, he's lost his sense of taste.
Change happens in all families, and this family is no exception, but, as with everything else, change either brings us closer together in trying to overcome different adversities and obstacles, or drives us further apart. I'd recommend this movie to anyone who wonders about their values and where they should be going in life.
9 out of 10 stars!!!
All right, I admit it. I like "chick flicks" and I'm not afraid to admit it. I can sit in front of this computer and glance at the television screen each time the scene changes and not have to look back. This is one of those films, but when Elizondo gets to cooking, all I can do is sit there and stare in envy at some of the things he can do with food. As much as he's succeeded with his profession in the kitchen, he sort of feel likes he's failed in the family department; not so much because any of his three daughters have failed at anything (quite the contrary), but because he feels like he's failed in teaching his family heritage to them and its values. He also feels pride in his work as a very accomplished chef, even though, as we find out early on, he's lost his sense of taste.
Change happens in all families, and this family is no exception, but, as with everything else, change either brings us closer together in trying to overcome different adversities and obstacles, or drives us further apart. I'd recommend this movie to anyone who wonders about their values and where they should be going in life.
9 out of 10 stars!!!
Cultural Discrepancy
politikin18 June 2002
I greatly enjoyed Eat, Drink, Man, Woman. I found Tortilla Soup a failed attempt to adapt this film to a different audience. First off, I think the plot development is hinged on the relationship between the father and the daughters. However, it is important to note that this dynamic that drives the conflict and action is not so easily found in Latin-American culture as it has been (re)established in LA. With the Asian family in Asia, the father-dauthers dynamic was on the money. The new cultural paradigm for Tortilla Soup simply lacks that essential element. From this, the development of the film is beyond the realm of belief. Adding to my disappointment, was the discovery that the scripts for Eat, Drink, Man, Woman and Tortilla Soup are practically identical. The variations are few and far between, and I think the duo that put in such hard work scripting this film should have stuck to their Asian success.
A Tasty Movie with Soul
mrbluto13 June 2003
First, let me say that I did not understand a lot in Eat Drink Man Woman, I am not familiar with life in Taipei, but I am familiar with life of Mexican's. That is one of the reason Tortilla Soup is so good, it takes Ang Lee's script and keeps the soul but adds some spice. The cast of Tortilla Soup is souper (I mean super): The elegant Hector Elizondo plays the hardworking single father of three independent girls; he is stern father with his girls but shows a softer side with the 10-year-old daughter of a cute neighbor played by the sexy Constance Marie. Plus he is one hell of a cook.
Elizabeth Peña plays the overly religious older daughter Leticia, she tries to hide and hold down her passion but a handsome baseball coach, played by Paul Rodriguez, brings out the love in her. The other two daughters are played by Jacqueline Obradors, as the second eldest Carmen, who has her life mapped out by her father but she does not need a map. Tamara Mello as the sickly thin baby of the family Maribel who is ignored by her family and almost everyone else. Tortilla is great fun and has lots of heart, but has a soul to match. The surprises in this movie will make you laugh and smile days after the movie is over. A tasty 8 out of 10
Elizabeth Peña plays the overly religious older daughter Leticia, she tries to hide and hold down her passion but a handsome baseball coach, played by Paul Rodriguez, brings out the love in her. The other two daughters are played by Jacqueline Obradors, as the second eldest Carmen, who has her life mapped out by her father but she does not need a map. Tamara Mello as the sickly thin baby of the family Maribel who is ignored by her family and almost everyone else. Tortilla is great fun and has lots of heart, but has a soul to match. The surprises in this movie will make you laugh and smile days after the movie is over. A tasty 8 out of 10
Good family drama
David-Starkey24 August 2001
I usually don't leave comments for a film and this is not the best film I have seen this year, but I was compelled to leave a comment since Tortilla Soup currently has such a low user rating. I really enjoyed this film and if you enjoy family based drama's (ie. You Can Count on Me) then this film is for you. It's about a single father and his relationship with his 3 grown daughters who live with him. It's actually quite funny at times but still has a lot of substance to it. They cast Hector Elizondo,Raquel Welch, and Paul Rodriguez perfectly. I hate reading comments that say too much about the movie so I won't say much more. It's definitely worth a watch. Don't believe the low user rating. 8.1/10
Lacks originality and charm of the original.
theroomisonfire29 April 2008
Watching an almost exact replica of a brilliant film executed in less than impressive manner is just frustrating... and an insult to the original.
Tortilla soup has the right idea, mainly because it was done once before and more successfully for that matter.
I realize it's a remake aimed at a more mainstream audience, but it seems like a bland dish compared to the far more satisfying eat drink man woman.
I would recommend the original any day. as for tortilla soup, watch it only if you're curious about the interpretation.
If there is one thing Tortilla Soup does well, is that it shows the universal themes of eat, drink, man woman, adapatable to any culture.
Tortilla soup has the right idea, mainly because it was done once before and more successfully for that matter.
I realize it's a remake aimed at a more mainstream audience, but it seems like a bland dish compared to the far more satisfying eat drink man woman.
I would recommend the original any day. as for tortilla soup, watch it only if you're curious about the interpretation.
If there is one thing Tortilla Soup does well, is that it shows the universal themes of eat, drink, man woman, adapatable to any culture.
Thoroughly enjoyable film - go rent it!!!
litwack15 July 2002
'Tortilla Soup' was a "scrumptious" delight. The acting was wonderful, especially by the lovable Hector Elizondo. Although the plotline was not unique, it was an endearing, entertaining, well-done film. I believe that anyone who did not like it missed the point. Give yourself a treat - rent it - and enjoy!!! Also, as a bonus, the food in it looks divine
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