Like Water for Chocolate

1992 

105 minutes

5 Stars

I read the book years ago, and remembered I liked it. I decided I'd forgotten enough of the book to enjoy the movie, and I was correct. Passionate, sexual Tita is the youngest daughter, and by family tradition, forbidden to marry as she must remain at home and care for her mother until Mama dies. The man she loves marries her sister in order to be close to her, but it is not enough. Tita takes her passion to the kitchen, and infuses it in all the wonderful dishes she creates (recipes in the book). The movie, like Tita's kitchen, is a feast for the senses. Beautifully photographed, lusciously sensual, delightfully acted, magical beauty from start to finish. Not recommended for children.

Trailer 

Bang-ja / The Servant

Korean w/English subtitles

124 Minutes

2010

****

This is a beautifully made movie of "old" Korea. The costumes alone make the movie worth the watch. I understand it is based on a popular story in Korea, and this movie took some artistic license. Not knowing the original, I just enjoyed it. It is a romance, where two men, one high born, the other his servant, both love and court the same woman. She, of course, loves the servant, but wants to better her life, and schemes for the nobleman. The ending had a twist I didn't expect.

The movie is available online at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm_9p81D9-g There is nudity and sex, so may not be appropriate for some viewers.

Third in the Samurai Trilogy by Yoji Yamada, Love and Honor

Love and Honor

Japanese, English subtitles

2006, 121 Minutes

5 Stars

Rainy Day loved Twilight Samurai and Hidden Blade, and when she watched this movie, the third of the samurai trilogy by Yoji Yamada, she was not disappointed. Mimura Shinnojo is a low level samurai, a food taster who dreams of quitting his position and opening his own dojo to teach the sword to any young boys who want to learn. Before he can realize his dream, he tastes poisoned shellfish, and though he survives the poison, he is blind. Though this is part of a samurai trilogy, it is not a martial arts film, it is, rather, a film of love and honor, and how both are met and betrayed and found. Love and Honor is a touching movie, great acting, beautifully photographed, and filled with drama. If you saw the other two, this is a 'must see movie.'

For the trailer, click here.