HBO’s most recent Spanish-language series,Like Water for Chocolate, lives under two great shadows.
Thus, one could sayLike Water for Chocolateis starting this race with something of a limp.
How can you improve upon perfection?
Image via HBO
What Is ‘Like Water for Chocolate’ About?
When Pedro asks for Tita’s hand in marriage, he is soundly rejected.
Baida and Guaita are unbearably pretty and more than capable performers, but their connection is lacking.
Image via HBO
At least forthe first two episodes of HBO’s adaptation, the spark hasn’t quite lit a fire.
These filmmakers use magical realism in wildly different ways.
For his part, Baida has the tough task of making something of a thankless role likable.
Speaking of which, I’m curious to see whereLike Water for Chocolate’s revolutionary story will go.
First isthe lack of focus on Tita’s cooking.
The second complaint isthe subtler approach to magical realism.
Image via HBO
The genre is all about turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, the subtext into text.
Still, the show tries hard, and it mostly succeeds.
To Tita, frustration translates to quiet longing for the love she feels lost forever.
Image via HBO
To Rosaura, it’s a grudge, the silent realization that she will always be second best.
To Nacha, it’s resignation, the weary acceptance of a life not lived.
Like Water for Chocolateis available to stream on Max in the U.S. beginning November 3.
