COMO AGUA PARA CHOCOLATE (Like Water For Chocolate, 1991) **1/2 There's a way of looking at the entire history of the world from the perspective of the extent to which parents impose their will upon their children. By such a standard, we're doing a good job compared to the mother depicted. But therein lies part of the problem: if she's such a bitch, why not just run away, or commit matricide? Because the lead characters lack the will. Oh. So they've already somewhat lost my interest at that point. Laura Esquivel's novel gives us several memorable scenes, and Alfonso Arau presents it all with a deft touch, but the romance novel to magic realism quotient is frequently beyond my red line, and some of it just plain drags. Which is too bad, because the best moments are absolutely delightful-yes delightful-and it manages to move hearts despite its lesser elements. Arau films nudity in a manner more liberating than exploitative, which is what everyone says they're doing.
back to Brilliant Observations on 1776 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your novel!