Lasa & Zabala

Watch Lasa & Zabala

  • 2014
  • 1 hr 41 min

Lasa & Zabala is a Spanish thriller movie based on the true story of two undercover Basque journalists, Juan Mari Jauregi (Lasa) and Joxi Zabala, who were kidnapped and murdered by the Spanish anti-terrorist group GAL (Grupo Antiterrorista de Liberacion). It was directed by Pablo Malo and stars Unax Ugalde and Francesc Orella in the lead roles.

The movie is set in the early 1980s when Basque separatist violence was at its peak in Spain. Lasa and Zabala were young journalists who were investigating the murders committed by both the ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) and the GAL. They were particularly interested in finding out the connection between the GAL and the Spanish security forces and the politicians who supported them.

However, their investigation took a deadly turn when they were kidnapped by the GAL in Bayonne, France, on 17th October 1983. They were taken to a secret detention center in Alicante, Spain, where they were brutally tortured for weeks before being shot dead and their bodies buried in a forest.

The movie follows the investigation carried out by the Basque police and Lasa's sister, who is determined to find out the truth about her brother's death. They encounter obstacles at every step as the Spanish authorities deny any involvement in the murders and try to cover up the tracks of the GAL.

The movie is a riveting suspense drama that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. It highlights the struggle of the Basque people for their rights and the atrocities committed by both the ETA and the Spanish security forces. It also exposes the corruption and collusion that existed between the security forces and the politicians to perpetrate violence and suppress dissent.

The performance by the lead actors, Unax Ugalde and Francesc Orella, is excellent. They bring to life the characters of Lasa and Zabala as two young idealistic journalists who are passionate about finding the truth and exposing the perpetrators of violence. Their chemistry on screen is compelling, and their portrayal of the two characters is both nuanced and sympathetic.

The movie also benefits from its cinematography, which captures the beauty and serenity of the Basque country, contrasted with the brutality and violence that pervades the region. The music score by Mikel Salas is haunting and deeply moving, adding to the emotional impact of the movie.

Overall, Lasa & Zabala is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that sheds light on a dark period of Spanish history. It asks important questions about the role of the media in exposing the truth, the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens, and the need for justice and reconciliation in a society torn apart by violence and oppression.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2014
  • Runtime
    1 hr 41 min