Like Water for Chocolate

Like water for Chocolate is a Mexican film released in 1991. It discusses gender roles and the societal pressures for women to serve as protectors and caretakers. Through out the film Tita, the main character struggles to battle traditional gender roles being imposed on her by her mother. In the story, which is narrated by her niece, Tita, being the last born daughter, is meant to never marry. Her mother explains that it is tradition for the youngest daughter to not get married in order for her to stay at home and care for her mother as she grows old.

Tita ends up falling in love with a young man named Pedro, but when he comes to ask for her mothers blessing, she offers him another one of her daughters. This results in them getting married but it does not change Tita and Pedro’s feelings for each other. Tita spends the rest of her life fighting the expectations set on her by her mother and society. One thing I found very interesting about this film is most of Tita’s sisters broke free of the societal restrictions as the film progressed. Gertrudis ran off and joined and helped lead the revolution. She also got to a point where she became more sensual and comfortable with her sexuality, which is something that seemed taboo in this setting. Chencha was able to find love and discover passion.

Although I was happy that Tita was finally able to be with the love of her life, I felt as though Pedro’s character was poorly written and He did not do everything he could for Tita. I feel like he just sat around while Tita suffered, while claiming to love her. Other than Pedro’s character and script, I enjoyed the film.