Tortilla Soup is a 2001 American comedy-drama film directed by Maria Ripoll. The film tells the story of a master chef and a Mexican-American widower named Martin Naranjo, played by Hector Elizondo, who lost his wife some years ago. He has three adult daughters, Leticia (Elizabeth Peña), the eldest, who is a successful businesswoman in the art world; Carmen (Jacqueline Obradors), a middle-aged professional who teaches yoga and is about to be married; and Maribel (Tamara Mello), the youngest, who is still trying to figure out what to do with her life.
Martin's passion for cooking is a legacy from his late wife, and every Sunday, he prepares a lavish meal for his family. However, Martin has lost his sense of taste and smell, and he is now unable to enjoy the dishes he creates. His daughters are worried about his health, and they urge him to see a doctor. When Martin finally agrees to have a medical check-up, he learns that he is suffering from a serious illness that has affected his senses.
As he struggles to come to terms with his condition, Martin begins to bond with his daughters in a new way. Leticia encourages him to take up painting, and he discovers a new talent for art. Maribel helps him to rediscover his love for cooking, and they start to experiment with new recipes together. Carmen, who has always felt like the outsider in the family, finally receives her father's approval when she decides to marry her longtime boyfriend.
Tortilla Soup explores themes of family, tradition, and the challenges of aging with humor and warmth. It also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Mexican-American cuisine, with mouth-watering scenes of food preparation and consumption. The film is a remake of the 1994 Taiwanese film Eat Drink Man Woman, and it received positive reviews for its performances, direction, and screenplay.