Okay, I'm Officially Obsessed with Like Water for Chocolate (Again!)

So, I just re-watched Like Water for Chocolate. I swear, every time I see it, I catch something new. This time, it was how ridiculously expressive Tita's eyes are. Lumi Cavazos just nails the whole 'longing and repressed desire' thing. Like, remember the scene where she's forced to make the cake for Pedro and Rosaura's wedding? You can literally see her heart breaking in her eyes as she mixes the batter. It's almost painful to watch, but in the best way? And the food! OMG, the food. I'm convinced this movie single-handedly made quail in rose petal sauce a thing. I keep meaning to try and recreate the recipes, but I'm pretty sure my cooking abilities aren't quite up to Tita's level (or the magical realism level, for that matter!). Seriously though, the way food is used as a vehicle for emotion is just brilliant. It's not just about what they're eating; it's about what Tita is feeling when she makes it. I also appreciated how understated the movie is overall, despite being so dramatic. It doesn't really feel like the director is trying to shove a message down your throat, even though there's clearly a big theme of female empowerment against tradition going on. I think that's why I find it so rewatchable, it just feels like you're right there with a young Tita learning how to navigate a difficult and unfair reality. One random thought: I wonder what Tita and Pedro would have been like if they'd actually just, you know, eloped? Mama Elena was terrifying, but still, imagine the chaos! Okay, now I need another rewatch. Anyone else feel the same way about this movie?