‘Tornado’ Review – Revenge Tale Is Bolstered By A Strong Performance, But The Story Stays In The Sheath Too Long

I am Tornado. Remember my name. Oh, how I wish that were so. Tornado is a classic revenge tale that swipes for something bold but misses its mark. A strong lead performance anchors the story, enough to give the movie a passing grade, but it feels more like a missed opportunity. The story ultimately plays it safe and never delivers on its intriguing premise to become anything worthy of remembrance.

Set in the rugged landscape of 1790s Britain, Tornado (Kōki) is a young and determined Japanese woman who finds herself caught in a perilous situation when she and her father’s travelling puppet Samurai show crosses paths with a gang of ruthless criminals led by Sugarman (Tim Roth), and his ambitious son Little Sugar (Jack Lowden). To create a new life for herself, Tornado seizes the opportunity to take matters into her own hands and steal the gold from the criminals. As a result, the gang murders her father (Takehiro Hira), putting Tornado firmly in their crosshairs. Seeking revenge, she seeks to save herself and avenge her father.

Let’s begin with the performance by Kōki. She is propulsive on screen, giving off a magnetic turn as an aspiring warrior. The film is poorer in each scene in which her character is sidelined. She moves throughout the story with a quiet, yet dogged persistence. Her life erupts into chaos thanks to a chance encounter with a gang of criminals. Inheriting the gifts not only of her fallen father but also that of her mother, her rise into a full-fledged samurai is surely expected, but thrilling all the same.

Tornado is more than the film’s namesake; she is the reason for any sheen to this film. Her arc is the film’s strongest point, yet it feels rushed. Even at an hour and thirty minutes, the film runs sluggishly. There is great ambition and a desire for an epic story, but it falls short. The story is personal and more intriguing when it focuses on Tornado and her vengeful quest. The film loses its shimmer when the narrative shifts to the gang of criminals.

The storyline between Sugarman (Roth) and Little Sugar (Lowden) exists as a framing opposite the dynamic between Tornado and her father, Fujin. The problem is that the situation is far less compelling, and the performances range from sluggish to cliché. Sugarman is the contemplative, all-serious criminal father, and Little Sugar is the impudent youth. Of course, they are going to butt heads and let pride come before the fall. Much of their storyline feels more like padding than adding anything of value to the narrative’s final point.

Ultimately, the film centers on a revenge tale. Tornado embraces her father’s training to become a vengeful but skilled warrior. The film moves quickly from this point, as Tornado precisely cuts down the criminals. Nothing comes as a surprise, though the theatrics are bloody and add a level of color and odd humor. The funny moments are played straight, but do work in contrast to the film’s otherwise serious tone and structure. A few laughs are welcome, though it can feel jarring, particularly as Tornado continues her quest. Some of the action has a Tarantino-esque vibe, but nothing worthy of note.

The ending is what the audience might expect, but it does leave us feeling largely underwhelmed. That is the real shame of Tornado, and it will be difficult to remember the film after the credits roll. The movie strives to take us on a journey, and to its credit, the elements involving tornadoes are the strongest parts, but the total sum is lacking. We may remember Tornado strictly because of Kōki’s magnetic performance, but not for anything the film does or ultimately has to say.

Tornado is currently playing in theaters courtesy of IFC Films.