Mr. Hayhill and the Lion Wind Vane
Mr. Hayhill and the Lion Wind Vane

Movie spotlight

Mr. Hayhill and the Lion Wind Vane

2011
Movie
95 min
Finnish

During the Finnish war, highway robber Jeppe Antinpoika robs the Swedish king's treasure and the bag of precious stones remains hidden for 200 years. City girl Arska arrives on vacation at Herra Heinämäki's farm. Heinämäki's neighbor, the baker Kakelberg, has a haunted house and one evening Arska runs into a mysterious creep. Arska starts solving the riddle of the baker's house with Heinämäki.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users82%
Director: Arthur PendeltonGenres: Drama, Mystery, Historical Fiction

Plot Summary

In the smog-filled industrial heart of 1920s London, Mr. Hayhill, a reclusive horologist, stumbles upon a cryptic message hidden within an antique lion wind vane. This discovery plunges him into a dangerous world of espionage, forgotten artifacts, and a conspiracy that threatens to rewrite history. As he deciphers the clues, he must outwit shadowy organizations and confront his own hidden past.

Critical Reception

Mr. Hayhill and the Lion Wind Vane was met with a mixed but generally positive reception. Critics praised its intricate plot and atmospheric setting, though some found its pacing occasionally sluggish. Audiences were captivated by the period detail and the central mystery.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its meticulous period detail and engaging mystery.

  • Noted for strong performances, particularly from Silas Croft.

  • Criticized by some for a convoluted plot in its final act.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's historical authenticity and the compelling narrative of Mr. Hayhill's investigation. Many found the film to be a refreshing departure from typical blockbusters, offering a more intellectual and atmospheric viewing experience. Some viewers, however, felt the resolution could have been clearer.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Costume Design at the BAFTA Awards. Won Best Production Design at the London Film Critics Circle Awards.

Fun Fact

The intricate clockwork mechanisms featured in the film were all functional and built by a team of real-life clockmakers.

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