- Tornado is a Scottish samurai western set in 1790s Britain, starring Kōki as a circus performer turned swordswoman.
- Director John Maclean drew inspiration from Kurosawa’s films and the American western genre.
- The film features a multicultural cast, with Tim Roth playing an outlaw and Takehiro Hira as Kōki’s mentor.
John Maclean’s Tornado brings a fresh twist to both the western and samurai film traditions by setting the story in Scotland’s rugged landscapes.
Beyond its unique setting, Tornado explores themes of survival, identity, and cultural fusion. The meticulous attention to detail in costume and setting, combined with the director’s deep knowledge of Japanese cinema, helps create an immersive experience.
Tornado – A Samurai’s Journey Through Scotland’s Untamed Wilds
John Maclean’s second feature film, Tornado, defies convention by blending the aesthetics of westerns, samurai epics, and British period dramas. With Kōki portraying a circus performer turned warrior, the film is as much about personal transformation as it is about survival. The director’s deep dive into Japanese cinema and Kurosawa’s work enriches the storytelling, ensuring that the samurai elements feel authentic despite the unexpected setting.
The film’s costume design embraces creative freedom, mixing historical accuracy with stylized elements. Tim Roth’s outlaw character, Sugarman, wears attire that bridges time periods, enhancing the film’s surreal, dreamlike quality. Meanwhile, Takehiro Hira’s character adapts traditional samurai clothing to Scotland’s harsh weather, reinforcing the idea that survival requires improvisation.
Maclean’s experience as a musician also influences the film’s pacing and rhythm. He crafts Tornado with an almost musical structure, allowing moments of quiet reflection to contrast with bursts of intense action. This balance keeps the film engaging, blending meditative storytelling with exhilarating combat sequences.
The film also draws on Maclean’s personal journey as a filmmaker. Having once been inspired by Reservoir Dogs, he now directs Tim Roth in a film of his own, marking a full-circle moment. The passion behind Tornado—from its genre-bending concept to its dedicated performances—makes it a film that refuses to be easily categorized.
By fusing elements of samurai films, westerns, and British history, Tornado creates an exciting, unconventional cinematic experience. Its unique setting and strong performances make it a standout film that challenges genre expectations.
“The only way we managed to shoot this in 25 days was the amount of preparation done.” – John Maclean
This quote encapsulates the dedication behind Tornado,
