

Maixabel
In the year 2000, Maixabel Lasa’s husband, Juan Maria Jauregi, was killed by ETA. Eleven years later, she receives an incredible request: one of the men who killed Juan wants to meet with her in the Nanclares de la Oca prison in Araba (Spain), where he is serving his sentence after breaking ties with the terrorist group. Despite her reservations and her immense pain, Maixabel Lasa agrees to meet face to face with those who ended the life of the person who had been her companion since she was 16 years old. ‘Everyone deserves a second chance’, she said, when asked why she was willing to confront the man who killed her husband.
Insights
Plot Summary
Eleven years after ETA terrorist Ibon Etxebarria assassinated her husband, Juan María Jaúregui, Maixabel Arregi receives an unexpected request from him: he wants to meet her. Over the course of a year, Maixabel and Ibon meet several times in different prisons. Maixabel, who has dedicated years to peace and reconciliation work, agrees to confront the man who destroyed her life.
Critical Reception
Maixabel was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of forgiveness and reconciliation. Critics lauded the performances of Blanca Portillo and Luis Tosar, and praised Icíar Bollaín's empathetic direction in handling such a complex and painful subject matter.
What Reviewers Say
- A powerful and deeply moving exploration of grief, trauma, and the possibility of reconciliation.
- Blanca Portillo delivers a masterful performance as Maixabel, embodying resilience and profound humanity.
- The film handles its sensitive subject matter with grace, avoiding sensationalism and focusing on the human element of forgiveness.
Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praise Maixabel for its emotional depth and important message about peace and understanding. Many highlight the impactful storytelling and the bravery of the real-life individuals portrayed, finding the film both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Awards & Accolades
Blanca Portillo won the Goya Award for Best Actress for her role. The film received multiple Goya Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the true story of Maixabel Lasa and the complex process of reconciliation she undertook with one of the men responsible for her husband's assassination.
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