Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A harmless comedy that will make your mouth water.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Tortilla Soup
What's the Story?
TORTILLA SOUP centers on a Mexican-American family in L.A. Martin Naranjo (Hector Elizondo) is a widower, the former chef-owner of a gourmet restaurant, and father to three willful daughters. Leticia (Elizabeth Pena), a prim and proper teacher with the hots for a new coach at school, Carmen (Jacqueline Obradors), a high-powered career woman on the verge of moving out, and Maribel (Tamara Mello), who has decided to put off college while she "finds herself." Meanwhile, a close family friend brings her pushy Mom, Hortensia (Raquel Welch) for a visit in which she instantly develops eyes for Martin. Each week, while the family vents its problems, Martin fills the Sunday dinner table with sumptuous delights.
Is It Any Good?
As in Ang Lee's Eat Drink Man Woman, the lovingly photographed shots of food in Tortilla Soup are its best feature. Watching Martin pound chiles with a mortar and pestle, peel avocados, and fry up squash blossoms for soup could have made for a magnificent film on its own.
Unfortunately, the directors chose to instead, load the film with melodramatic twists and predictable, unconvincing dialogue. However, this is a decent-enough film for rabid foodies, fanatical lovers of gentle family comedies, and families looking for something sweet and gentle to watch together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about food movies, such as Babette's Feast, Big Night, or Eat Drink Man Woman, the original version of this film. Can you think of other movies that feature food as a major element? What makes these movies fun? What does the food -- and its preparation -- symbolize in this movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 9, 2001
- On DVD or streaming : January 20, 2004
- Cast : Constance Marie , Hector Elizondo , Raquel Welch
- Director : Maria Ripoll
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Cooking
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Sexual content
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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