K: Missing Kings is Still Better than ‘Kay, but is that Enough?

The ending to the “K Project” anime series left an extremely easy point of entry for a sequel, whether it was in the form of a movie or second anime season.  The admirable, likable, but flawed anime series made it seem like one was reading a chapter in the middle of a book, which finished with some things resolved but new questions surfacing.  It was with a sense of optimism that the movie “K Project: Missing Kings” was announced, as it was an opportunity to bring a happier and more comprehensive conclusion than what was offered in the series.  Like with “Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Rebellion” and “Tiger and Bunny: The Rising,” the closest showing was out-of-state on a weekend.  With the Chicago showing not providing a date (it eventually was cancelled), and the Detroit showing presenting cost and logistical problems, I made the decision to once again drive down to Kansas City, Missouri.  Unfortunately, the same problem presented itself as with the Madoka movie: Kansas City’s showing was again on a Sunday night, which is inconvenient for me, being an out-of-towner who had to take vacation time.

It soon became apparent that “K Project: Missing Kings” follows very closely to the formula developed by its anime:  throw the viewer into the middle of an event which is occurring and then explain details later.  In this case, the event is a break-in against the Gold Clan, one which was given little attention during the anime series, committed by a mysterious swordsman.  Another carryover element from the series is that idiosyncratic elements such as a king’s Sword of Damocles are displayed and once again show great creativity on the part of producers, but again are given little explanation, so one must have already known what sort of symbolism is being shown and what it represents.  However, not all of the anime series’ carryovers are detrimental.  Two elements thankfully carried over from the anime series are the lush drawings and the art style.  The movie’s drawings easily match if not exceed the series’ quality benchmark, with rich detail and perfect play in the elements of light and shadow.  The strong and realistic backgrounds from the series are also present here, giving one the impression and atmosphere of being in the middle of the city, though there is less interaction with the city and with outside and minor characters here, helpful given the film’s short length.  The elements of strong luminescence and saturation are still apparent in the movie, but have been toned down in most scenes compared with the anime series.  What stands out with the movie is that despite the saturation being less powerful, the instances in which this is done enhance the scene much more than when the same effect was used in the series.  The effect is used most often in scenes focusing on members of the Red Clan, and considering their status during most of the movie, the richness and power that this effect conveys is absolutely fantastic.  Also contributing to this are the stunning light effects, which are used in just-right amounts to convey a sense of vibrancy in the colors and strength in the saturation rather than an extreme sense of heavy-handedness.  Just like the series, this lighting enhances the primary color portrayed in the scene, which oftentimes corresponds with the clan which is being focused on.

“K Project: Missing Kings” was by no stretch of the imagination action-heavy, but there are a few battle sequences sprinkled in at necessary points.  These scenes are well-choreographed and the pairing of characters in each of these scenes is excellent, with each character passionately putting his or her reasons for fighting on the line and in display for all to see.  However, while the elements of emotion and heart are well-done in these action sequences, there were often instances where the animation fell short, as character outlines sometimes showed signs of degradation in the battles’ action-heavy moments.  In these scenes, one can see a more matte shading effect being given to the characters versus the glossier finish apparent elsewhere, and character details and outlines are less pronounced, with the end result being a slight injection of cheapness to the action sequences.

As previously mentioned, “K Project: Missing Kings” follows the series’ structure of throwing the viewer into the middle of an event, but thankfully the movie does better in explaining the one-year gap in between the series’ end and the movie’s present versus present and past events in the series.  However, while there was a little bit more development of the series’ past, this area as a whole unfortunately remains underdeveloped.  In explaining the year-long gap, many of the characters who were given comparatively major roles in the series but seemed underdeveloped (examples include Rikio Kamamoto, Izumo Kusanagi, and Seri Awashima) were given another chance to shine, and the movie does an excellent job at fleshing out these characters further.  However, most Blue Clan members still are portrayed as secondary characters, with most names giving off the same prestige as a college student’s ID number.  The main focus here is on the evolution of characters in response to prior events, and the change apparent in these characters is extremely well done, especially for those who were already strongly portrayed in the series such as Misaki Yata, Saruhiko Fushimi, and Anna Kushina.  The series’ themes of rivalries and reasoning are still apparent, but the movie puts a greater emphasis of reasoning, understanding, and respect amongst characters, something which only occurred in a few mostly behind the scenes instances during the series.  Because the primary focus is achieved through development of the characters’ foundations created in the series, the linear character development inherently makes the new character Yukari Mishakuji less developed.  Stylish though his introduction may be, his development and explanation of motives was a little clumsily handled, and in the end, one is still wondering his fate and next event as his exit is confusing.  This character holds promise, but the impression he left could have been much stronger.

Not helping the case with “K Project: Missing Kings” is the same problem that of the first “Eden of the East” movie: the length.  At 73 minutes long, the movie has enough time to include 3 anime series’ episodes worth of content, and it is thankful that the time is allocated extremely well.  The plotline progresses linearly, steadily, and smoothly, and fell right in line with the anime series in terms of pacing.  However, its length only gives enough time to progress the story a certain amount, but whereas I was hoping for a large sense of conclusion, this was not present.  Instead, this is just another chapter in the whole story, and again the ending provides the perfect setup for either another movie or season to continue the tale.  Unfortunately, such movie or season has not been announced, and one must now hope for more content, because the film’s ending not only leaves many of the series’ questions unanswered, but it injects a large amount of dramatic irony, and the film’s end creates even more unanswered questions for the viewer to ponder and angst over.  Should you choose to watch the film, be sure to stay after the credits for a scene with a large amount of foreshadowing.

There’s no doubt that “K Project: Missing Kings” will be enjoyed by fans of the anime series.  The anime series’ strengths in visuals carry right on over and are further refined so they elevate the movie to the next level.  Through extra time given to characters of the series, a few weaknesses were addressed and result in all characters being more refined and rounded.  The story as a whole moves on and progresses very well and the movie serves as an excellent followup to the series.  The film still carries over a few of the series’ flaws, but those familiar with the series will accept them as “business as usual.”  However, this movie doesn’t resolve a big problem with “K Project” and one thing it needs.  While fans of the series will feel right at home with “K Project: Missing Kings,” it will unfortunately have a difficult time drawing in more fans to the franchise.  Those unfamiliar with the series will pass this movie on by, dismissing it under the pretense of unfamiliarity with the series.  Now, while this may enhance the series’ standing as a hidden gem and give fans a sense of exclusivity in group discussions, a lack of popularity and return on investment does not bode well for future products in a franchise.  In fact, while I am reasonably sure that distribution of the film on DVD and Blu-Ray in the United States will happen, there is still a nagging feeling of pessimism over whether this will occur.  Even more nagging is the sensation that the movie will leave the story hanging at an even more precarious and climactic position than at the end of the series.  I am hopeful for a continuation in the form of another movie or hopefully another season, but that can only occur if the fanbase of the series is expanded.  Hopefully this preview is enough to convince a few to watch the series and the movie:

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