Jack Lowden’s gripping new British movie Tornado is a survival thriller with a difference

Prior to Jack Lowden reprising his role as River in “Slow Horses” season five, he will be portraying a completely different character in the intense British film “Tornado”. This movie recently had its world premiere, opening the Glasgow Film Festival for this year.

The suspenseful survival story unfolds on the British Isles in 1790. A young Japanese woman named Kōki, accompanied by her father Takehiro Hira who runs a Samurai puppet show, encounters danger as they travel. This danger comes from a local gang headed by Sugarman (Tim Roth) and his son Lowden, also known as Little Sugar.

In search of a new beginning for herself and her father, Tornado takes a critical step, setting off a desperate race against the clock to evade a potentially fatal outcome. However, if she can manage to flip the situation, she might just outsmart her chasers.

Since the film starts off with a captivating, almost wordless scene where Tornado is fleeing from the gang, let’s avoid delving deeply into the specifics of how and why he is running away.

However, it’s worth noting that this film could be described as a gritty and intense thriller, similar to director John Maclean’s first film “Slow West“. Just as “Slow West” reinvented the Western genre, “Tornado” reimagines the classic Samurai movie in an unforeseen and violent manner, particularly in its climactic scene.

Initially, the movie presents as a tense survival drama filled with sudden, brutal violence. The atmosphere is grim, with Sugarman’s group ruthlessly eliminating anyone in their path. Jed Kurzel’s ominous music creates an unsettling tension, hinting at a tragic outcome for everyone involved.

Little Sugar could be the most flawed character, using force to mask his struggles with his father’s influence. Lowden delivers an outstanding performance, especially when paired with Tim Roth, adding layers to their bond and emphasizing the sorrowful nature of their relationship, despite a script that doesn’t fully flesh out the other characters.

The film primarily focuses on the exhilarating pursuit rather than grandiose spectacles, opting for a more subdued approach. Any suggestion of intense conflicts or spectacular battles is brief, often unfolding before it truly begins. Until the climax, the most excitement comes from Fujin and Tornado’s puppet show.

Kōki radiates an attractive charm, similar to Tornado, even in one of her debut film appearances where she speaks little. The suspense lies in wanting her character to endure, rather than action-packed scenes, which makes the sudden shift into a loyal tribute to traditional samurai films during the climax all the more captivating.

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel welcomed by this game. The action is meticulously set up and the brutal kills provide a satisfying release after an intense build-up. Prepare yourself, as Jack Lowden might not seem quite the same afterward, but trust me, it’s worth journeying back in time with Tornado.

Tornado premiered at Glasgow Film Festival and will be released in cinemas on May 23.

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2025-02-26 23:49