Ai Weiwei: The Fake Case
International Film Circuit | Release Date: May 16, 2014 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
73
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews
Positive:
12
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
Los Angeles TimesSheri LindenJun 5, 2014
Fake Case assumes a certain familiarity with Ai and his work — explored more thoroughly in Alison Klayman's "Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry." But as a follow-up and a companion piece to that 2012 documentary, Johnsen's new work is remarkably intimate and astute. Read full review
80
The New York TimesA.O. ScottMay 15, 2014
Mr. Johnsen offers viewers the challenge and pleasure of an important artist’s company, and a chance to appreciate anew his wisdom, his wit and his bravery. Read full review
80
New York Daily NewsGraham FullerMay 15, 2014
China’s government can’t handle dissident artist Ai Weiwei. He turns every move to suppress him into brilliant conceptual art. Read full review
80
The DissolveAndrew LapinMay 14, 2014
In Ai Weiwei: The Fake Case, a fascinating, essential marker in the ongoing saga of his exploits, the government fights Weiwei with artificial law to maintain an illusion of total control, fueling its target’s heroic persona in the process. Read full review
80
VarietyPeter DebrugeNov 25, 2013
With the aid of Johnsen’s doc to overcome the obstacles China has put in his path, Ai’s voice carries louder than ever before. Read full review
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Kate TaylorMay 17, 2014
The clever and defiant Ai, who is forever filming himself and others on his phone, does in one instance capture Johnsen on camera, but mainly the doc is missing any explanation of how a dissident forbidden from giving interviews agreed to it – as well as much context about his personal life. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comChristy LemireMay 16, 2014
Watching him regain his confidence, sense of self and the rebellious spirit that defined him gives "The Fake Case" an unexpected and exciting feeling of momentum and, eventually, tension. Read full review
75
The A.V. ClubDavid EhrlichMay 14, 2014
It’s curious that The Fake Case works best as a dark comedy, with one particularly memorable scene finding Ai sneaking up on a couple of newlyweds as they have their wedding photos taken and snapping a few of his own. Read full review
75
IndieWireEric KohnNov 25, 2013
While Johnsen competently follows Ai over the course of more than a year of contemplation and anger, "The Fake Case" doesn't introduce anything new to the equation, and mainly succeeds by virtue of its subject's inherent appeal. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterNeil YoungMay 15, 2014
Ai Weiwei: The Fake Case is a professional, straightforward example of the behind-the-headlines sub-genre, executed in slick high-toned digital video and eschewing the soundtrack music so ubiquitous in documentaries nowadays. Read full review
70
Village VoiceZachary WigonMay 13, 2014
With such a compelling central figure it would be tough for the doc to not stimulate, but stimulation aside, its rather shapeless narrative can feel desultory. Read full review
63
Washington PostMichael O'SullivanJul 4, 2014
The absence of legal details makes the movie something of a cheat. It offers few insights about the case from the official side, let alone about the machinations of Ai’s legal team. Read full review
50
San Francisco ChronicleKenneth BakerMay 26, 2014
Will serve mainly to reassure his countless admirers that Ai has recovered his defiance and ingenuity: a heartening message, but one that may be lost on those still unacquainted with his true case against the Chinese state. Read full review
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