Tornado: The film that has taken Scotland by storm

By Louisa Gavin

GFT outdoor stage photo by Euan Cherry from Getty Images

Scotland has been home to the filming of many iconic movies such as; Harry Potter, Trainspotting, Braveheart and Gregory’s Girl. Yet, the country hasn't seen a movie quite like the one that's sweeping its way across our soil.  

‘Tornado’, directed by Scottish born John MacLean, is a Western Japanese movie set in Britain in 1790. MacLean said he became “immersed” in Japanese film, which got him interested in adding a samurai feel to his latest production. 

In January 2023, the filmmakers gathered upon the Pentland Hills near the centre of Edinburgh, where they filmed most scenes. The movie follows the main protagonist ‘Tornado’ a performer in the circus, who is played by Japanese actress Koki.  

At the beginning of the movie, Tornado is given a sword to use in her circus performances. But by the climax of the film, she is merely using it to survive. The talented actress has a range of skills which make her so successful.  

However, the 22-year-old had never used a sword. She said: “It was a completely new experience, the way you move your muscles.” 

Outside image of the screening by Euan Cherry from Getty Images

Director John MacLean has always had a love for westerns, after creating his first in 2009 which starred actor Micheal Fassbender. His aim for this movie was to pinpoint characters that aren't usually represented.  

Also, starring in this film, is actor Tim Roth who is known most prominently for his role in Pulp Fiction. 

When trying to grasp a sense of the culture and what styles would have been around in the late 1700s, MacLean said: “There wasn't that much recorded about these sorts of people then so if you do look up costumes from the 1790s, you get the powdered wigs and the breeks but we really have no idea what ordinary people wore.” 

Another star of the upcoming movie is Jack Lowden who plays ‘Little Sugar’. The Edinburgh born actor is married to much lauded, award winning Irish actress Saoirse Ronan. The couple lives in London and met on the set of Mary Queen of Scots – which was filmed between Scotland and England. 

The film premiered on February 26th at the Glasgow Film Festival and will be released for eagerly awaiting fans to watch on May 23rd.