Tornado 4K 2025

A chic action movie with a shoestring budget, but stylish and cool presentation and the awesome Tim Roth.

Fans waited 10 years for the new work from John McLean, director of “Strictly West,” and it was worth it. Having shot what is essentially a fairly straightforward and typical action thriller about a girl, violent gangsters, and stolen gold, and with a small budget at his disposal, McLean, even with such limited resources, has produced a truly impressive result in terms of direction, because in such cases it is not what you do that matters, but how you do it.

The film was shot on location in Scotland, and it is certainly mesmerizing — nature, sunrises and sunsets, endless steppes and mountains, forests and plains, sunbeams and light pouring through the trees. Yes, nature here is harsh, but in addition to the faded colors, there are also bright, vivid moments. There are very few sets, but this also works to the film's advantage — the wastelands and the aura of hopelessness that you can cut with a knife. And what a luxurious sound there is here! The very concept of “a Japanese woman with a sword against British bandits with knives” sharply distinguishes the film from many others like it.

The film has excellent pacing, great tension, and a mood that immediately grabs you by the throat. There is also a dash of humor, which looks very effective against the backdrop of the lawlessness that is taking place.

The actors are all in their places. Tim Roth, as usual, gives it his all in the role of a cruel gangster who periodically lapses into mild apathy, and his henchmen are, of course, all rugged and tough Brits, not lacking in charisma, so much so that some of them don't even need dialogue. The ending is also worthy and leaves a lasting impression.

In short, this is one of those cases where it's cheap but so good that you can't take your eyes off it. I had a blast watching this cool and uncompromising action thriller with great directing and its own unique twists. Once again, a small film from good guys has made me happy. Isn't that something to celebrate?