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Info in Movie News | Experience a unique fusion of samurai action, Scottish landscapes, and western grit in Tornado, the latest film from director John Maclean. Set in the rugged 1790s, this genre-blending adventure follows a young warrior’s fight for survival in a lawless world of outlaws, circus performers, and shifting allegiances.

John Maclean is not new to the world of westerns. His film debut, Slow West (2015), successfully brought cowboy charm to the big screen. This time, he delivers the same spirit to Scotland, but with a Japanese touch. This inspiration came from his love for Akira Kurosawa's classical films. He watched all of Kurosawa's works and read numerous books to understand the relationship between American westerns and Japanese samurai films. The result? Tornado - a unique, evocative, and action-packed film.

Tornado's Tale, The Circus Samurai
The film follows the journey of Tornado (played by Kōki), a young girl in a circus troupe who initially only learns to wield a sword for performances. However, a harsh world forces her to use the sword not just for entertainment, but for survival.

For Kōki, previously more recognized as a model and musician, wielding a samurai sword was a new experience. "I had no experience with swordsmanship, so I learned directly from the action team in Japan before shooting," she shared.

Her co-star, Takehiro Hira, who plays Tornado's father and mentor, was highly impressed by her dedication. "She always trains outside shooting hours, even frequently posting her exercises on Instagram," said Hira, who recently starred in the FX series Shōgun.

A Scottish Wild West
John Maclean sees 1790s Britain as an untamed and rarely explored era. "It reminded me of America in the 1860s," he reflected. "Law enforcement was still in its infancy, the industrial revolution was on the horizon, and people from different backgrounds were struggling to survive."

Beyond the samurai element, Tornado also introduces a notorious gang led by Sugarman, portrayed by veteran actor Tim Roth. Having previously starred in Rob Roy (1995), Roth is no stranger to filming in Scotland. "January might sound brutal, but I'd take the cold over midgie season any day," he joked, referring to the swarms of tiny insects that plague the region in warmer months. As reported by BBC, Roth recalled the harsh conditions of filming deep in the Scottish wilderness, yet still delivered a standout performance.

A Blend of Eras and Evolving Costumes
One of the film’s most intriguing elements is its unconventional approach to aesthetics. "We're mixing different time periods," Roth explained. "My outfit has a 1940s feel, yet somehow fits within the late 18th-century world. That kind of creative freedom is exciting."

Takehiro Hira also had to adjust his attire to Scotland’s unpredictable weather. "This isn’t the kind of kimono I’d typically wear in a Japanese film," he pointed out. "There are multiple layers, and I ended up wearing it more like a coat to handle the cold."

Turning Vision into Reality
Tornado to Maclean is not just a film rather than a long-held ambition completed. "I am blessed and surrounded by a team, whereby originality was really its asset." Sharing this, he mentioned. The film was just filmed in 26 days so management and teamwork are the key in a project.

Maclean’s journey with Tornado is deeply personal, stirring memories of his early days in cinema. As a student, he worked at the Cameo Cinema, where he once had a conversation with Quentin Tarantino during a screening of Reservoir Dogs. That encounter left a lasting impression. “I remember thinking, maybe I could become a director someday,” he recalled. Decades later, having Reservoir Dogs star Tim Roth in his own film feels like a full-circle moment in his career.

According to Deadline, bringing Tornado to life was anything but easy. Though the script was finished in 2018, it took years to secure funding. With a budget of under $5 million, the production embraced an indie filmmaking approach—carefully planning each detail, from shooting on 35mm film to crafting authentic, handmade costumes. Maclean sees these constraints as a creative advantage. “With westerns, bigger budgets don’t always mean better films,” he explained. “Every scene had to count. There was no space for unnecessary shots or second chances.”

Tornado to hit Screens in May 2025
For fans of samurai films, westerns, and uniquely adventurous stories, Tornado is a must-see. Hopefully, if the film is indeed worth enjoying, more people will be able to witness it worldwide.

The film will be released in British and Irish cinemas on May 23, 2025.