Interpretation of the film Like water for chocolate - Essay Example

It is a story of fantasy, romance and food, full of color and intensity. In fact, food, cooking and the kitchen are essential elements in this movie to such an extent that even the title itself is a reference to food. The expression "como agua para chocolate", translated as “like water for chocolate”, refers to the boiling water used to prepare hot chocolate in Mexico. This South American idiom is often used to describe someone who is sexually frustrated. Pedro and Tita’s love story starts very early on when as a girl she catches the boy’s eye.

When years later the family receives the visit of young Pedro, Tita and him immediately recognize each other and fall in love. However, this was not meant to be: Tita was the youngest of three daughters and, according to custom, the one that would stay at home and take care of the ageing parents. Consequently, Tita will only be allowed to marry after the death of her mother (Monografías.com). Her mother, a strict, conservative and tyrannical character, will not break the tradition but offers Rosaura, the eldest, instead.

After some deliberation Pedro decides that marrying Rosaura would bring him closer to his real love and, to Tita’s surprise, he accepts the proposal. As a consequence, they all end up living in the same house and the situation becomes untenable: Pedro and Tita cannot be together but cannot hide the love that is obvious to all. From the storyline it is obvious that, in such a conservative society as that found in Mexico during the early 20th century, traditions are more important than feelings and compliance with an old custom prevails over the love of the main characters.

In this conventional and old-fashioned society, although individuals were not free to marry whoever they chose, no one dares to challenge the established rules and become conformist. This applies to women but also to men, as