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Drama

Maixabel (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Maixabel (2021) movie poster

Maixabel is a 2021 drama directed by Icíar Bollaín, starring Blanca Portillo as Maixabel Lasa, Martxelo Rubio and Josu Ormaetxe. It runs 1 hour 55 minutes and earned $3.2 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 80/100.

worldwide gross
$3.2M
Echo Score
80
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Maixabel (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 55m (115 min)
Director
Icíar Bollaín
Genre
Drama
Original language
Spanish
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Maixabel About?

The premise of Maixabel without spoilers.

In 2000, Maixabel Lasa tragically lost her husband, Juan Maria Jauregi, who was killed by ETA. Eleven years later, she receives a surprising request: a man involved in his death wants to meet her in prison. Despite her deep pain and initial hesitation, Maixabel agrees to confront him, believing everyone deserves a chance at redemption. The meeting takes place in Nanclares de la Oca prison in Araba, Spain, where the man is serving a sentence after disavowing the terrorist group.

Maixabel Themes & Keywords

· 45 tags
  • basque country
  • terrorist
  • terrorism
  • killing
  • assassination
  • shot
  • shot dead in public
  • jail
  • prison
  • meeting
  • lost father
  • crying
+33 more
  • scream
  • television
  • archive footage
  • euskera
  • eta
  • tribute
  • homage
  • monolith
  • singing
  • tear
  • tears
  • mother daughter relationship
  • mother son relationship
  • discussion
  • jail cell
  • gun
  • trial
  • inspired by a true story
  • pardon
  • forgiveness
  • repentance
  • regret
  • sorrow
  • suffering
  • year 2011
  • tv news
  • restorative justice
  • reconciliation
  • reconciliation effort
  • shot in the head
  • husband
  • group
  • based on true story
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Cast & crew

Maixabel Cast & Characters

Blanca Portillo leads the cast as Maixabel Lasa, with Martxelo Rubio as Amigo Maixabel and Josu Ormaetxe as Juan Mari Jáuregui. Directed by Icíar Bollaín; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Maixabel

· 16 more
From the director

More from Icíar Bollaín

More films directed by Icíar Bollaín, best-rated first: Take My Eyes, I Am Nevenka, Rosa’s Wedding and Yuli.

Full filmography
Ratings

Maixabel Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in sensory experience (70).

80 /100

Maixabel Echo Score Breakdown

Maixabel presents a largely affirmative impression, anchored by commendable direction and compelling performances that resonate emotionally. Critics uniformly highlight the film's moral gravity and nuanced handling of reconciliation, while audience feedback balances praise for its poignant moments with occasional remarks on a sluggish opening. The synthesis suggests a strong thematic core that outweighs modest pacing concerns, delivering a film that rewards attentive viewing.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the film is widely regarded as skillful. Critics note Icíar Bollaín's masterful command of her craft and a visceral aesthetic that supports the narrative. Viewers do not cite technical flaws, focusing instead on the overall coherence of production design and editing. The consensus affirms a high level of artistic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    When evaluating character work, performances receive strong commendation. Both Blanca Portillo and Luis Tosar are described as phenomenal and capable of conveying layered emotions. Audience remarks echo this, emphasizing nuanced portrayals that anchor the story's emotional weight. Minor dissent appears only in a single low user rating, leaving the overall impression of exceptional character depth.

  • Story & Flow 78

    Regarding narrative structure, the plot is praised for its exploration of forgiveness and the aftermath of terrorism. Critics highlight the film's thematic depth, yet some note a limited penetration into its dramatic nucleus. User comments describe a slow first act that improves markedly in the second half. The mixed pacing observations moderate an otherwise positive story assessment.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    The sensory experience, encompassing sound and visual style, is less directly addressed but inferred as competent. Critics refer to the film’s visceral impact, suggesting effective sound design and cinematography. Audience feedback does not raise concerns, implying an unobtrusive yet supportive sensory layer. Consequently, the score reflects a solid, if understated, sensory execution.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    In terms of rewatch value, the film is identified as rewarding for patient viewers. Critics describe it as one of Bollaín's most exciting works, and users commend its emotional resonance and lasting optimism. Some note an initial boredom that resolves in the latter portion, but the overall consensus indicates that the film’s themes encourage repeated engagement.

Box office

Maixabel Box Office

Maixabel grossed $3.2 million worldwide.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$3.2M

International
$3.2M
Videos

Maixabel Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Maixabel.

MAIXABEL (Trailer)
Details

Maixabel Also Known As

10 alternative titles, including “Майсабель” and “Μαϊσάμπελ”.

Also known as
  • Майсабель
  • Μαϊσάμπελ
  • Maixabel - Eine Geschichte von Liebe
  • Zorn und Hoffnung
  • Les Repentis
  • Майшабел
  • 迈沙贝尔
  • Redenção
  • Μαϊσαμπέλ
  • Una donna chiamata Maixabel

Seen Maixabel?

FAQ

Maixabel FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Maixabel, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Maixabel?

Maixabel runs 1 hour 55 minutes (115 minutes).

When was Maixabel released?

Maixabel was released on September 18, 2021.

Who directed Maixabel?

Maixabel was directed by Icíar Bollaín.

More films by Icíar Bollaín

Who is in the cast of Maixabel?

Maixabel stars Blanca Portillo as Maixabel Lasa, Martxelo Rubio as Amigo Maixabel and Josu Ormaetxe as Juan Mari Jáuregui, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Maixabel make at the box office?

Maixabel grossed $3.2 million worldwide.

Does Maixabel have a post-credit scene?

No. Maixabel has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Maixabel in?

The original language of Maixabel is Spanish.

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