Tortilla Soup (2001)

74% of critics liked it
(72 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(4,917 ratings)

A remake of Ang Lee's family comedy Eat Drink Man Woman, Maria Ripoli's Hispanic-American ensemble feature set in Southern California about a veteran chef named Martin Naranjo (Hector Elizondo), who is slowly losing his sense of taste. He has three daughters, all of whom have chosen different paths.… More A remake of Ang Lee's family comedy Eat Drink Man Woman, Maria Ripoli's Hispanic-American ensemble feature set in Southern California about a veteran chef named Martin Naranjo (Hector Elizondo), who is slowly losing his sense of taste. He has three daughters, all of whom have chosen different paths. There is Letitia (Elizabeth Pena), the oldest and most repressed of the bunch, a rigid schoolteacher who is a member of the Christian faith. His youngest, Maribel (Tamara Mello), is the most assured, though plagued by doubts. His middle daughter Carmen (Jacqueline Obradors) is most like him and shares his taste for cooking, but has chosen a career as a corporate consultant, which makes for a more secure lifestyle. She is offered a high-profile job in Barcelona, which causes a rift in the family setting. Maribel soon finds herself drawn to a handsome Brazilian student (Nikolai Kinski), and Letitia is gaining affection for Orlando (Paul Rodriguez), an awkward ballplayer whom her students have sent mistaken love letters to without her knowing. Also at their dinners are a shy single mother (Constance Marie) and her obnoxious mother (Raquel Welch), who has her sights set on Martin's affections. Tortilla Soup is Maria Ripoli's second major feature, after her whimsical 1998 feature Twice Upon a Yesterday. ~ Jason Clark, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: María Ripoll
Written By: Tom Musca, Ramón Menéndez, Vera Blasi
Genres: Comedy, Romance

In Theaters: Aug 24, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Jan 15, 2002
Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Films

Critic Reviews

Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
Only some of the characterizations exhibit subtlety, though most of the performances have considerable charm.
Ken Eisner, Variety
Thanks to a perfectly blended ensemble led by Hector Elizondo, in his best screen role to date, Tortilla Soup is a warm-blooded winner with equal emphasis placed on taste buds and heartstrings.
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
If your erotic inclinations tilt toward the table, Tortilla Soup will probably offer nothing short of hardcore pleasure. If not, but see it you must, close your eyes and think of other appetites.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
The writers have swiped Lee's basic premise and main characters, while pretty much ignoring his skill and sensitivity.
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
A filling but unoriginal dish.
Stephen Hunter, Washington Post
It's so brimful of life you can't say no.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
While this cheerful film has nothing particularly new to say about the ties that hold family members together even when they're driving each other crazy, it's a pleasure to watch such a talented ensemble at work.
Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media
A harmless comedy that will make your mouth water.
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
This movie has a lot of heart and soul into it.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Great filmmaking? No, but it's warmly enjoyable and a pleasant way to spend an evening.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Though the cast are willing, the movie plods along in need of the zingy flavours and hot spices we see going into Elizondo's cooking.
, Empire Magazine
Like a drunken karaoke version of a classic song, this derivative piece of filmmaking does little but blemish our memories of the magic it is trying to copy.
Jeffrey Chen, Window to the Movies
English-language Mexican-family version of Ang Lee's Eat Drink Man Woman doesn't duplicate the subtleties of the original.
Jean Lowerison, San Diego Metropolitan
There's nothing original here, but the film is pleasant enough, and it's a pleasure to see Elizondo on the screen again. Peña, Obradors and Mello are fine as well.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
The romantic foodie movie of the season is upon us, and a delicious dish it is.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Hector Elizondo lords over his uniquely messed-up offspring with a knowing twinkle in his eye. He's having fun, and so are we.
Laura Bushell, BBC
Despite a few adjustments, Ripoll's film largely remains faithful to the central plotting of Lee's original film, which presented a slightly familiar yet utterly charming tale of food and families.
Betty Jo Tucker, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
'Tortilla Soup' gives Hector Elizondo the right recipe for his first starring role in a feature film.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
Ang Lee's Eat Drink Man Woman is faithfully adapted into Los Angeles' Mexican-American subculture in this enjoyable ensemble film.
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
Isn’t the delicacy that Eat Drink Man Woman was… But on the level of comfort food this remake is enjoyable enough.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Sunil J

Really great movie about family and acheiving dreams.
Donna D

Funny and charming, but not as good as the original version of Ang Lee's. But the cooking is good and will make you hungry just watching them eat their dinners.
Leo L

Love this movie! A Hispanic version of "Eat Drink Man Woman". Great!