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 has already been to the world of the wild west. His first film, Slow West (2015), really was one of his breakthroughs in the cowboy charm department. This time, he takes Scotland to be the same place to cowboy charm but with a Japanese twist. His main source of inspiration - the works of Akira Kurosawa - he watched all of Kurosawa's films, and also read various ones. He aimed to find out the origin of the relationship between American westerns and Japanese samurai films. The result? Tornado - a film that is not only unique but also the very mind of you who watch it will be filled with thrilling action.
Tornado's Tale, The Circus Samurai
The film follows the journey of Tornado (played by Kōki), a young girl in a circus gang who sooner only learns to use a sword for acts. But we need to understand that in the story she was forced to easily use the sword for both survival and entertainment.
Samurai was a new experience for Kōki, who was previously more known as a a model and musician. "I didn't know anything about swordsmanship, so I was able to get training from the action team in Japan directly before we started shooting," she added.
Her father and sensei played by Takehiro Hira, who is a co-star in Tornado's character, was deeply impressed by her hard work. "She is always training outside of the shooting hours, often uploading the clips of her exercises on Instagram," said Hira, who most recently was seen 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
The film has its most interesting part, which is the original turn aesthetic, breaking the traditional patterns. This way, the actress comments on an interesting fact regarding her character: "We mix different time periods," said Roth. "In my outfit, I manage to have a 1940s impression and at the same time, it is of the late 18th-century world. This is such personal freedom that helps you to become creative and that is why it is so interesting".
Scotland’s very unpredictable weather has helped Takehiro Hira to adapt his clothing as well. "This is not the kind of kimono I normally wear in a Japanese movie," he replied. The weather was therms so that I kept it more like a coat than as a kimono to stay warm was what he added on.
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.
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