For anyone who loves captivating tales of childhood love and the struggles that come with it, Like Water for Chocolate is the ideal show. The latest adaptation of Laura Esquivel’s popular 1989 novel of the same name has arrived on HBO more than three decades after the 1992 film, and is gaining popularity among viewers.
Following the release of the six-episode Spanish-language series, many have been wondering if it's based on a true story. Like Water for Chocolate isn't based on a true story, and only follows the fictionalized narrative penned down by the Mexican author Laura Esquivel.
At the heart of the TV series is Tita De La Garza ( Azul Guaita), the youngest of her siblings and the childhood sweetheart of Pedro Múzquiz (Andrés Baida). Tita lost her father even before her birth and is raised by widowed her mother who is highly devoted to following her strict culture.
Tita has two older sisters Gertrudis (Andrea Chaparro) and Rosaura (Valeria Becerril), with one being incredibly rebellious and the other is known for her calmness. The siblings have navigated numerous challenges including the Mexican Revolution and male-dominated family customs.
What is HBO's Like Water for Chocolate TV series about?
Set in early 20th-century Mexico, Like Water for Chocolate follows the love story of Tita and Pedro, the titular characters in Esquivel’s novel. Tita is a talented cook and has strong emotions.
Unlike her cruel mother Mamá Elena (Irene Azuela), who wants her daughter to follow strict norms and customs, Tita believes in love and liberty. They live in their family's big house, where Mamá rules and expects her daughters to follow in her footsteps.
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Tita's lover Pedro Múzquiz also belongs to a rich family. As seen in Like Water for Chocolate, Pedro even asks for Tita's hand in marriage but Mamá Elena has unexpected plans for her youngest daughter. She insists Pedro marry her eldest daughter Rosaura.
Mamá Elena's hatred toward Tita is clearly visible, as she doesn't want Tita to ever get married. What makes the narrative even more emotional is Pedro's heart-wrenching decision.
He agreed to marry Rosaura only to stay close to Tita forever. Little did Pedro and Tita know that this would initiate a series of unexpected events in their lives. The actors in the TV series have portrayed the deep emotions of Pedro and Tita, bringing the characters to life from the beloved novel.
What has transpired on Like Water for Chocolate so far
Currently, HBO has only released the first two episodes of Like Water for Chocolate on HBO Latino and Max, injecting curiosity among viewers. The first episode opened with widowed Mamá Elena carrying Tita in her womb while peeling onion.
A second after one of her servants asked Elena to rest, her water broke and Tita was born in the middle of onion peels and sorrow. The episode also saw Tita and Pedro meeting each other as children and quickly developing a bond.
Their journey kicked off right after that, as the two fell in love as teenagers and remained close even when Pedro moved to the city for his studies. The series also highlights Tita's love and passion for cooking, as viewers will always see her turning to the kitchen wherever she wants to put her thoughts in order.
In the second episode, Tita is heartbroken after learning that her mother refused the proposal offered by Pedro, and instead gave Rosaura's hand in marriage with the landlord's son.
Before the second episode ended, Tita didn't just suffer heartbreak watching Pedro marry Rosaura, her pain intensified when Nacha, the de la Garzas' cook was found dead. The episode ends with everyone crying after eating the wedding cake prepared by Tita.
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Like Water for Chocolate episode 3 will arrive on November 17, 2024.
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