An action, comedy, musical satire about school age Ninjas? This is writer and director Joshua Kowi’s student film The Tale Of Kso-Wi 2.
The Tale Of Kso Wi 2 is built on a foundation of cheesy karate movies and leans heavily into a Cobra Kai-esque nostalgia, with over the top melodrama in a school setting. The script explores rivalries and the nature of conflict and adds to the inherent silliness of its premise by adding a number of musical numbers to the proceedings. Thankfully, it never takes itself too seriously, walking a tightrope of bad and not so bad.
The Tale of Kso-Wi 2 is a 67-minute (delightfully shambolic) romp showcasing the creativity and enthusiasm of student filmmaking. Director Joshua Kowi and his team have crafted a comedy-satire-action-musical that, while containing many rough edges, ultimately delivers a completely insane cinematic experience. These types of films often face challenges with limited budgets leading to less-than-stellar special effects and production values. In The Tale of Kso-Wi 2, some of the action sequences might not rival those of Hollywood blockbusters or even Cobra Kai, but they are executed with a playful energy that becomes part of the film’s charm. The regular shaky camera work or slightly muffled audio only adds to the film’s endearing DIY visuals. The use of basic animation techniques also helps distinguish the film from many others.
While the cast of “The Tale of Kso-Wi 2” are not seasoned professionals, their passion and commitment shine through. The performances are often endearingly over-the-top, perfectly complementing the film’s comedic tone. The musical numbers are infectiously awful and showcase the cast’s willingness to embrace the film’s whimsical spirit. I think it’s fair to say that some of the cast sing all the right notes, just not necessarily in the right order.
Technically, “The Tale of Kso-Wi 2” does lack precision. Scenes are often shot in close-up or mid-shot, while the sound levels jump around a bit, yet what the film lacks in technical polish, it more than makes up for in sheer imagination. The costumes are obviously the cast’s own wardrobe but they are colourful and creative enough, while the sets, although rooms in the college, add a lot of variety. The editing, despite being a bit choppy, maintains a brisk pace that helps to keep us all entertained.
A witty script aids the satire of “The Tale of Kso-Wi 2” which is never mean-spirited; poking fun at societal norms and conventions, while the comedic moments are sometimes funny, with some sporadic laughs. Just as amusing are the fight sequences that always seem to take place in the gym, each battle is choreographed with a huge sense of fun.
“The Tale of Kso-Wi 2” is not a perfect film, but it highlights the power of passion, creativity, and collaboration. Joshua Kowi and his team have poured their hearts and souls into this project, and their enthusiasm is evident. This is a film that will leave you smiling, tapping your feet, and appreciating the sheer joy and pain of independent filmmaking. If you’re looking for a big-budget Hollywood spectacle, “The Tale of Kso-Wi 2” is not for you. But if you’re open to experiencing the creative energy of student filmmaking, then this is certainly a fun and quirky reminder that memorable cinema can come from unexpected places.
