Like Water for Chocolate

Like Water for Chocolate is a film with lots of magic realism in it. I saw lots of it in the food that was prepared and served in this movie. When Rosaura marries Pedro, Tita is helping make the wedding cake. Tita is so sad her tears fall in the cake. At the reception, the beautiful cake is served. Soon after, people are shown crying and then end up sick. Another food example showing the magic realism was the quail with rose petals. Pedro had given Tita roses for her first year as cook for him and the family. Tita's mother is quite upset and tells her to throw them out. Tita hears the voice of her friend Nacha telling her not to throw them out, but use them in the quail dish. Tita uses the roses and the movie explaines that this is how Tita gets inside Pedro and they use Tita's sister as a medium and a way for Tita and Pedro to be together. This shows quite a mix of the reality of wanting to be together and the magic of using the sister Gertrudis to find a way to enjoy each other. The third time I saw magic realism used in the food was the beef broth that was brought to Tita after her nephew had died. Tita was so sad and was not speaking. Many people thought she was crazy. Dr. Brown cared for her and had a friend Checa visit her. At this time she tells Tita the broth is magic and can cure her. Amazingly, after Tita eats some broth she talks and acts the same way she did before her nephew died. Food is so important in many cultures, and I found it quite interesting how it was used in this movie. I think even the title of the film gives us an indication that the food is an important aspect of this film. I understood it to be like water is used to make hot chocolate ( which is served in the film) love is necessary for your soul to achieve its destiny.

Motorcycle Diaries

One of the first scenes that I think helped prepare Ernesto Guevara to be a revolutionary leader was when they fell off the motorcycle and found the puppy. He picked up the puppy and wanted to care for the helpless animal. Later when he gives the puppy to his girlfriend, I think it shows that he wants it to have a good home and knows the best place is not with him. Another scene is when he looks at the neck of the farmer. Alberto is telling the farmer that Ernesto is a doctor and can help him. Ernesto honestly tells the farmer that it is a tumor and he should see a specialist. Alberto tells Ernesto he should have said they would help so they could have food and a place to stay. Ernesto says, " help him with what prayers?" I won't lie at the price of someones health. Ernesto was honest and wouldn't compromise the health of the farmer for food and a place to stay. A third scene which helps shape him as a leader was when he was called to help an elderly woman. He asks if she has eaten and gives some pills for her to take. When he examines her he makes eye contact and is very compassionate throughout his assessment. In a letter to his mother he stated he knew he really couldn't help her. The fourth scene was when they were walking in the desert and met another man and lady walking. They were talking about the land that was their grandfathers that they got kicked off, and how they had to leave their son. They were looking for work in the mines. Ernesto, we find out later, gave them the money from his girlfriend. Ernesto also gives them his blanket. In the morning, people come and choose people that are on rocks to work at the mine. Ernesto tells the mining workers the people are thirsty and is ignored, he thows a rock at the truck. In a letter to his mother, he writes about peoples eyes that darken with tragedy and how their friends disappear. He describes it as the coldest night of his life. There are many more scenes that help shape him as a leader, but one of my favorites was his birthday. He was so touched by the thoughtfulness of the people and how they really wanted to make his birthday special.

Mujeres al Borde de un Ataque de Nervous

This film portrayed many relationships. In the beginning of the film, it shows one of the main characters (Ivan) walking by many women and to each of them he is making comments about relationships. Some of the comments he makes are"I'm all yours" and "Will you marry me?". I think this shows an element of what some would call a "Macho Man." He uses words he thinks women want to hear in his relationships, but doesn't seem to sincerely mean them. Pepa noticed this when she talked about finally getting him to admit he didn't love me. Although, the women also seemed quite flirtatious and interested in the relationship of the moment, not a lasting one. I think Camella portrayed this best. She was involved with the terrorists, and then interested in Ivan's son. The women seemed to feel important when flirting with a man, and it seemed something they did without thinking about it. They seemed to naturally flirt with all men. I think some of the feelings were over reacted in the film. The way everyone was having a crisis, but only their own was important. When Camella wanted to talk to Pepa about her problem and Pepa kept putting Camella's problem aside. She didn't say lets sit down and talk or even want to take the time to hear about it, Pepa said everyone has problems and then focused on her own.
I think there are many differences. Today's American women have more self value and do not think that if you have a relationship with a man you are more valued. I think they are more interested in a sincere relationship, not just a relationship.
If the context were the United States, I don't think the animals would have been in the apartment and if there were animals it would have been a cat or dog. I think the women would have been more interested in taking their anger out on Ivan, instead of things. I don't think they would have thrown the phone, but used it to find revenge.
The film plot was somewhat confusing for me. From the priest giving the advice do not trust men, to the many characters and their relationships. I found it necessary to be very attentive to try to follow how was who and how they interacted. Although, I do think relationships can be difficult at times, this movie didn't seem to have a sincere relationship in it.
I think there is a difference between Spanish America and Spanish Europe women. Although I think both portray some of the hot climate culture characteristics that we discussed in class, I think they also asorb some of the culture traits where they live. They look at other women, how they act and are treated and want this for themself.

Machuca

In the film Machuca the friendship between Pedro and Gonzalo is quite surprise because of their many differences. At recess when the bully takes Gonzalo's sandwich, Gonzalo is very passive and doesn't say much he just seems to accept that this is the way things are. The bully then tells Pedro he wasn't his desk back and Pedro says no and doesn't back down. He even tells the classmate to talk to Fr. McEnroe if he doesn't like it. They are also from very different homes. Gonzalo's home has many things, but a very scattered family. Pedro's home has many people, but not too many things. Gonzalo seems quite surprised when the restroom is an outhouse. However, in spite of their differences, they seem to find things they like to do together. Both seem to enjoy selling flags at the rallies. Both seem to enjoy bike riding, sweetened condensed milk, and spending time together. Gonzalo's father is quite rude and does not seem to understand the friendship. Pedro's family seems quite welcoming. Although they are friends, the struggles of communism and militarism make it difficult for the friendship to continue. It was heartbreaking to see the military take over shantytown and kill Sylvania.
There were many differences between the rich and poor in the movie. The rich had beautiful homes and many things. They did not seem to want for anything. Pedro was amazed at the amount of clothes Gonzalo had in his closet. Gonzalo seemed to take the clothes for granted. The poor did not have nice homes or many things, however they seemed to be very hardworking. They worked together as a community. Even when there was blending of the rich and poor it was still easy to tell who came from what class. I was surprised that Pedro and his friends did not wear the same uniform at St. Patricks that everyone else wore.
There are many messages in this film. One that really strikes me is about prejudice. People in the film, and still today use things to make judgements about people. People are judged by the clothing they wear, and how they look. Later people may notice others actions or words, but have usually formed an opinion of that person before they have even spoken to them. People within a certain group will also make judgements about those in their group and those in another group. I found it interesting when Ft. McEnroe was speaking to those in the church they seemed more interested in placing blame than working things out. The adults certainly weren't treating each other with dignity or respect, so I guess it isn't too surprising that the children treat each other the same way. I think compassion and caring are skills that need to be learned by example and reinforced throughout our lives. I found it scary that an entire group of people could just disappear when the military took over.
I think many of the social issues and cultural differences shown in the film are still relevant today. There are still bullies, prejudice and people who do not seem to treat anyone with respect.

The use of Parallelism: La Misma Luna

This movie tells the story of a nine year old boy and his mother who live on opposite sides of the border. The mother tells her son to look at the moon when he misses her, and she will be looking at the same moon. The son is living with his grandmother and after she dies, he goes on quite an adventure to find his mother. This brave young man starts out angry and wondering if his mother really loves him. He has many struggles to make it to his mother. However, he learns from a very unlikely character, that the reason she left is because she loves him and wants a better life for him. His mother is struggling to make enough money to become a citizen and bring her son to live with her. She works many jobs, such as, cleaning houses and making dresses to make as much money as possible. She is tempted to marry to gain citizenship, but discovers the only reason she can marry is for love. It is such a joyous moment at the end of the movie when the mother and son are reunited.