Opening the 2025 Glasgow Film Festival is a film full of British, Scottish and Japanese talent: Tornado.
Set over a day and a bit in 1790, Tornado is the curious tale of a girl on a mission to keep her hard-earned (stolen) gold and avenge her father’s death. The film follows Tornado (Koki) and her father, Fuji (Takehiro Hira, Shögun), who travel the British Isles with a small, raggedy carnival group.
To make ends meet, they distract their captivated audience with a puppet show and pick-pocket whatever goodies they come across in the crowd. This day, however, they find themselves stealing gold from a rag-tag bunch of brutal bandits. Little Sugar (Jack Lowden, Dunkirk) and Sugar (Tim Roth, Reservoir Dogs) try to lead the ruffians to victory but are met with mutiny, stupidity and an opponent who is trickier to catch than they’d hoped.
The cat-and-mouse chase begins before the title card strikes, immediately plunging you into the danger. As the game ensues, the characters commit more murder and more theft whilst facing some character-building hard-faced truths.
The film is shot in Scotland, and Scottish director John Maclean rightfully takes advantage of the beautiful hilly, sweeping landscape. Whether in the distance or right up close, the vast plains and thick forests inject a beauty in the film that only Scotland can provide.
The wind whistles throughout the movie, rising and falling as the tension shifts. The stormy, tornado-like gusts contribute to the mystical and rugged feel of the film.
Whilst the tension and the beauty of the film are undeniable, the last part of the film is undeniably frustrating.
A series of all-too convenient events results in a happy outcome that ultimately leaves you unsatisfied. It may be a victory, but it was not hard-earned.
In the audience, there were more than a few laughs at the absurd occurrences that were just annoyingly unbelievable.
Whilst whimsy and magic are welcome in films – and this film absolutely had room for it –Tornado crosses the line.
Despite this, Tornado is still a fun watch. The closing act may have been a little stupid, but the cinematography, humour and mystery of every moment before that is brilliant.
Read more of Brig’s reporting on the Glasgow Film Festival via the website here.
Feature image credit: Lionsgate UK.
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