A king does not bear an easy responsibility. Even more so when he understands he is responsible for the souls of the people he rules.
Pepe Gomez’s ‘The Last King Of Granada’ is an animation exploring the capitulation of Granada and the story of its last king Muhammad XII, also known as Boabdil, who handed the key of the city to the Spanish catholic monarchs Fernando V and Isabella I.
The animation wonderfully explores the inner anxiety of Boabdil and his contradictory feelings towards defending or capitulating Granada to the catholics. Caught between his visions of a war massacre and his love for the much treasured peace of the city, when offered a treaty by the Spanish kings he seriously considers accepting it on one condition: for the inhabiting population to be spared and to have their rights and religion respected. His action will forever haunt the king all the more that his mother will snub him for his cowardice after the capitulation, making him doubt his decision.
Pepe Gomez’s animation makes one think about the heavy responsibilities of a leader and the fine border between courage and cowardice. ‘The Last King Of Granada’ enchants the public with its psychological theme placed on historical background bringing to life events long forgotten and making one contemplate them and their meanings.
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