Linda's Magical Realism in Like Water for Chocolate

The article on magical realism was very interesting. To think it began in Latin America to express the American mentality and then went on to be an independent style. This film certainly represents this literary mode. The explanation of themes was most curious to me. There are multiple examples of this in the film. The idea of soldiers as an authority figure was noted in the scene where they attacked Tita's home and brutally assaulted the kitchen helper.

The cyclic aspect of time destined to repeat itself was expressed through the constant desire for Pedro and Tita to be together. They dreamed of life joined as one but the reality of it never happened. It was as if a better life was not to be attained.

The concept of carnival, celebrating the body, senses and relationships was heavily portrayed in this film. Food was a major focus. The affects of the special chilies on the body and soul was both humorous and very poignant in showing magical realism. Everyone became passionate and out of control with their emotions as they enjoyed the family recipe. Most striking was her sister escaping with the Mexican soldier in a terror of love.

I really liked the onion theme being repeated. Tita started out in the kitchen chopping onions and the niece ended the film with onions. What was not able to happen for Tita; a life of love without the constraint of caring for her mother till death, did occur for her cherished niece.

Food and the psychological reaction was repeated during the cake baking scene. Tita was heartbroken that her older sister was going to marry her boyfriend because tradition dictated this order and she was to care for mother. She dutifully agreed to prepare the wedding banquet but while making the cake batter she cried profusely. So, as the wedding guests ate the cake they began to cry uncontrollably.

The traditions and wise tales of the culture were stated and brought forth. In the end the matches she consumed ignited the inner sole of Tita; and, the explosion of the divine nature joined she and Pedro into eternal bliss. His dying, then her joining him, was like that of Romeo and Juliet.

Fascinating film, humorous and informative of the Latino culture.

Linda Murray's Blog-Motorcycle Diaries

There were multiple scenes in the film that shaped his personality to be a future leader. His travels transformed him from an idealist to a man with a purpose. Ernesto observed from a distance as the men were picked to work the mines. As he studied their faces and demeanor he note they were thirsty. He kindly requested to the guards they receive water; but, the request fell on defiant ears. In retaliation he began to throw rocks at those in authority.

He walked with a Peruvian farmer and came to realize their farms were taken over once they began to produce. This left the farmer without a means of supporting their families, while the government got fat on the profits.

Then his final experience at the leprosy colony noting the vast separation of the sick from the healthy people. His knowledge base was such that he knew the lepers were of no threat, but still alienated.

He himself felt injustice when he was not served food at the colony because he did not attend mass. He expressed his opposition to the Mother Superior, but with no change in the outcome. What happened next was people began bringing him food. They were responding to him recognizing the lack of fairness to this rule. This incident was the beginning of him being a man for the people.

All these compounding occurrences set him up for his farewell speech in Peru when he stated his purpose, to end the division in his America. His travels had helped end his restlessness and defined his purpose from then on.

This by far was the best movie presented to us in this class. It had purpose and passion, a well spent two hours.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

This was an absolutely stupid movie, I failed to see any humor in it at all. As in the previous movie viewed, Spanish speaking women are seen as being play objects for men. It is as if they need a man to define their existence. What's surprising is Pepa was an accomplished women. She had what appeared to be a good career. Initially she may have wished to pursue a continued relationship with Ivan ; but, after several failed attempts to met with him she did come to her senses. I admire her for making the strong decision to dump him and make it alone. She was realistic in her ideals of scaling down on a place of residence.

The other women in the film, Lucia, her friend and the attorney all had the same trait to cling to a man. The macho image of Ivan was very evident. He went from one "trophy" to another. It's interesting to note his son acted in the same manner. He was engaged to one and making out with another. I can appreciate why all these women doubted it they were loved.

Pepa, her friend and Lucia certainly did feel the hurt of a scorned lover. These feelings, while very real, were extreme only because they acted on them. Pepa's pills and her friend's jumping incident were over the top. I suppose if you are beatened down enough you do begin to believe those thoughts of worthlessness. Pepa did try to release some of her anger towards Ivan when she pulled out the phone line and threw his belongings out. Lucia on the other hand attempted murder.

Today's American women are more independent and self assure. Educational opportunities certainly play a part in that, as well as, culture and nurturing. The feelings of betrayal and rejection in a relationship aren't felt any less, but the response may be less revengeful. In any culture you would see desperate acts during desperate times. Pain and hurt of a broken relationship is universal.

I think the Spanish American women are more westernized than those of Spanish Europe. Therefore, their behavior would be more in line with typical American women.

In the end when Pepa saved Ivan from getting shot, it was more for the sake of morality than love.

this plot certainly was intertwined among the characters. Pepa puts her apartment up for sale, her ex-lover's son ans fiancee come to view it, Pepa's friend get into legal trouble and Pepa goes to see a lawyer who happens to be her ex-lover's new interest. WOW, how's that for coincidence!! Bizarre.

Linda Murray Machuca

Initially the interaction between these two children was one of bonding for safety. In as much, both seemed to be bullied. Gonzales because he was smart and Machuca for his social status. They appeared sensitive in spirit and peacemakers in nature.It was as if they understood what the other was going through. They seemed to be more mature than their years suggested. Social class had no bearing on their friendship; they seen beyond that barrier. Each had issues with their mothers and their behavior with men. Sadly, when faced with his own survival, Gonzales betrayed his friend Machuca.
The differences between the two social classes in Chile, the rich and the poor, is one of extremes. The poor are very poor with shanties for housing. the basics were very simple and crude, IE the outhouse. Attending school seemed to be a privilege only open to a few in the lower class. They did value all that they did have and great care was taken to keep things nice. For example, Machuca always looked clean and in order.
The upper class had nice housing, in door plumbing and seemed to be able to get "delicacies" through the black market. It appeared they had extra money to carry possible because they were gainfully employed. Private schools were available to them in addition to uniforms.
The classes wee definitely segregated and intermingling created a source of conflict for the most part. the middle class was nonexistent.
The message I obtained from this film---I am blessed to have been saved from facing such turmoil. When there have been tragic episodes in my life, IE Vietnam, I witnessed things from a distance and was only affected indirectly. Seeing events in history like this continues to remind me how appreciative I am for how far we have come.
On a personnel note, I am shocked at the language and permissive behavior of such young children. The women seem to be second class citizens seeking the attention of men to gain material possessions. Machuca's needs were more for essentials, while Gonzales' mothers was all about adding possessions. No doubt this was a devastating period for Chile and in some ways it parallels the Holocaust experienced by the Jews.

Under the Same Moon

Rosaria chose to leave Carlitos in Mexico with his grandmother so she could seek gainful employment. Good paying jobs that were legal, no doubt, were difficult to find. She was responsible for taking care of not only her son,but her mother as well. She desired a better way of life for her son, one with greater opportunities. Even though she only sent $300.00 to her mother per month it was enough to provide them with a comfortable lifestyle in Mexico. the American dollar went far in a poor country. The gifts Rosario sent to Carlito, such as the shoes, were greatly admired for such a basic necessity.
Rosario had to make a decision to come to America in order to provide a future for her family. It would have been very dangerous for her to have brought Carlitos with her. I highly respect her ambition to obtain American citizenship in order to bring her son to the states legally. I'm sure this would have been a very challenging and intimidating task.
They both faced similar problems being separated, but staring at the same moon every night was their tender connection.He missed her touch; but, the Sunday call brought their worlds together. Holidays were missed; however, the gifts did bring childlike gratitude.
The major problem the mother faced was wondering if Carlitos was being cared for completely. Her drive to make enough money to bring him safely to her was paramount in creating strength to persevere.
Any mother would go to extraordinary means to be able to support her child; it's a God given instinct that our culture nurtures. A mother will sacrifice her own wants and needs to provide for her family.