Common Sense Note
Parents should know this is a mature and sensual movie. While not sexually explicit, sexual desire and threats of infidelity drive the entire film. It also includes a rather abusive (both physically and emotinally) mother/daughter relationship.
Families who do see this movie might discuss issues such as family duty, generational conflict, gender equality, and cultural traditions. Parents may also want to discuss how this film's use of magical realism differs from more traditional American writing and filmmaking.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kelly Kessler
(Note: Filmed mostly in Spanish with English subtitles.) Based on the first novel by screenwriter Laura Esquivel, LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE presents a visually stunning tale of repressed passion, lost love, and the magical powers of food. The youngest of three daughters in a Mexican family, Tita, is doomed by tradition to remain a virgin and forever care for her mother. LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE depicts the emotional struggle suffered by Tita following her loss of and longing for Pedro, and her attempts to escape the controlling fists of her mother. The film works through a series of highly charged relationships utilizing uncommon visual elegance and a sense of mysticism that visually depicts the Mexican literary tradition of magical realism.
WATER FOR CHOCOLATE swept the Ariel Awards (Mexico's equivalent to the American Oscars), garnering awards for best picture, acting, direction, screenplay, cinematography, set design, and production design. From story to execution, LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE exudes quality.
Families who enjoy international and mature films may also like Babette's Feast.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentConstant sense of sexual tension, some overt moments of eroticism (but tasteful), male and female frontal nudity, and multiple instances of childbirth |
 |
|||
ViolenceThe mother abuses her youngest daughter both physically and emotionally, attempted rape occurs, and someone catches on fire. |
 |
|||
Language |
 |
|||
Message |
|
|||
Social BehaviorWhile the film shows great passion and some very strong women, it also portrays a constant presence of infidelity on the part of both men and women. |
 |
|||
Commercialism |
 |
|||
Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoOccasional drinking with meals and during rabblerousing by revolutionaries. |
|
|||
