Student projects are always an interesting case because they always clue you into whether or not those behind them are passionate about what they are doing. The technical details are one thing, but unadulterated devotion to the craft is quite another. Being able to maintain that level of dedication for a feature-length outing is no small feat, and for that, you have to give props to Kso-Wi mastermind Joshua Kowi, who has dreamt up a world where young ninjas from around the globe gather to challenge the forces of evil. And when they aren’t engaged in fisticuffs, they are dealing with the turbulent, not-so-drama-free school life filled with rambunctious energy.
The Tale of Kso-Wi 2, a sequel to the first chapter that released nearly a year ago, finds Kso-Wi (Joshua Kowi) enrolled in Principal Sensei’s (Jameila Fulton) newly founded Ninja Arts Academy. A bit like Charles Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, but less X-Men and more like a bunch of angsty ninjas from the 5 Nations gathering for a big high school project. Kso-Wi finds himself obsessing over his crush Mai’Man (a name that sounds utterly hilarious when pronounced knowing Kso-Wi’s attraction to him), played by Jon Cornwell, but a threat looms over everybody without them even realizing. Not all folks are pleased with the school’s grand opening, as Akuto’s (their collective nemesis) daughter enrolls at the institute amongst other new students, and Ancient Dark Arts get channeled within the walls of the academy.
Ambitious to a fault, The Tale of Kso-Wi 2 is a throwback to the cheesy martial arts movies of yesteryear and a surprisingly heartfelt way for director Joshua Kowi to show his reverence for Japanese pop culture. This homage isn’t afraid to show its influences at every turn. Admiration for these tropes oozes off the screen, from digital sekura petals falling across each location (among many other particle effects that crop up throughout) to the over-the-top mannerisms and costumes of the characters. The universe of Kso-Wi is an anime, and there is absolutely no mistaking it.
If you are familiar with the genre’s hallmarks, you’re going to appreciate Kowi’s broad attention to detail. That being said, if you fall into the outsider category, that’s where the feature might lose you very early on. You might not thoroughly understand all the references or the reliance on dramatic plot lines and dialogue. There are also a myriad of technical faults that are difficult to look past. From lackluster blocking and fight choreography to underwhelming sound design, The Tale of Kso-Wi 2 struggles to satisfy its lofty narrative aspirations, student film or not. As a satire, though, it works more often than it doesn’t, and its self-aware attitude makes you want to keep watching its colorful antics. There are even some musical numbers thrown in here and there, adding to the outrageous nature of the film.
Imperfectly perfect, The Tale of Kso-Wi 2 might not win the blockbuster race, but it just might win your heart as a live-action anime brought to the screen by a group of inspired creators.
