Review of Tortilla Soup (2001) by John S — 08 May 2004

[i]TORTILLA SOUP[/i]. The name alone is evocative of the peppers, fresh handmade flatbread and the spicy tomato/tomatillo soup base used to create this dish. And the movie lives up to its billing. As an adaptation of a book, it must be rated above average: the storyline does not falter, and the movie can stand alone even if the viewer has at no time read the book. In fact, unlike many "adaptations," this movie does not at any time rely on previously acquired knowledge.

The movie presents a portrait of a man who is in danger of losing all that he had originally desired: his home life, his three daughters and his talent for cooking. And yet, even in the midst of loss, it would seem that he has something that he lives for: in this case, caring for others. His caring, expressed powerfully through the imagery of his artistry in the kitchen, is evident throughout the film, even if it is underappreciated by those he cares most about.

The movie draws its rating based primarily on scenes of sexually suggestive content. However, the sex is not in the way of the storyline and indeed is added like the finest of chiles: just enough to spice the dish and enhance the flavor but not enough to overpower the blending of acting and story.

Overall ranking: 8/10. A great movie for an evening. Be prepared to salivate, and to be disappointed with your popcorn.