Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang

Name: Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang
Genre: Documentary
Released: October 14, 2016
Duration: 76 min
Rating: 73

2016

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Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews

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Movie Details & Credits

Netflix | Release Date: October 14, 2016 | Not Rated

Summary: Contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang's work spans East and West, human and cosmic, the playful and the profound. His signature gunpowder paintings pay homage to the Chinese roots of the explosive medium, while incorporating elements of chance and unpredictability. His massive explosion events actively engage audiences around the globe—from hisContemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang's work spans East and West, human and cosmic, the playful and the profound. His signature gunpowder paintings pay homage to the Chinese roots of the explosive medium, while incorporating elements of chance and unpredictability. His massive explosion events actively engage audiences around the globe—from his seminal 1993 work that extended the Great Wall of China with six miles of gunpowder fuse; to the daytime colored fireworks that ripped through the deserts of Doha, to the astonishing opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Told through the artist’s own words and those of family, friends, colleagues, and critics, Sky Ladder traces Cai’s meteoric rise from childhood in Mao’s China to pre-eminent global artist. We witness as Cai struggles with how to affect social change through art, and navigate the compromises and complexities that arise when you’ve made it to the top. When you’ve gone as far as he has, how do you challenge yourself? If you’re Cai Guo-Qiang, you continue to chase the ambitious dream that has eluded you for 20 years—Sky Ladder—a 1,650 foot ladder of fire climbing into the skies, connecting heaven and earth. [Netflix]… Expand

Director: Kevin Macdonald

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 76 min

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Critic Reviews

Ken Jaworowski

Oct 13, 2016

A documentary that is as rewarding as this artist’s work. Read full review

The Guardian Jordan Hoffman

Sep 29, 2016

Macdonald grants us insight into the process and, as expected, it’s hardly as haphazard as sceptics might think. Read full review

David D'Arcy

Sep 29, 2016

Like Cai, the doc is a crowd-pleaser which reveals its complexities in a careful viewing. Read full review

The Film Stage John Fink

Sep 29, 2016

As an introduction to the subject matter and a portrait of the artist, Sky Ladder works nicely, condensing much into its 76 minutes. What is missing, apart from some minor personal drama, is more behind-the-scenes moments that might have been very interesting. Read full review

Noel Murray

Oct 12, 2016

Given that gasp-inducing fireworks and light shows are the main reason why this film got made in the first place—and why people will want to watch it—it’s hard to fault Macdonald too much for opting more for uplift than provocation. After all, many artists begin with grand intentions, then settle for razzle-dazzle. Read full review

Robert Abele

Oct 13, 2016

A documentary that begs to be seen in a theater, Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang offers an inviting glimpse into the life of a truly international artist, one whose colorful fireworks displays literally paint the air. Read full review

Time Out London Tom Huddleston

Oct 10, 2016

75 minutes isn’t really long enough to fully examine the Sky Ladder project, let alone an incident-packed artistic career. Still, as an introduction, this is entirely serviceable. Read full review

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User Reviews

TVJerry

May 14, 2021

Although most people saw Cai Guo-Qiang's fireworks display for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, they probably weren’t aware of the artist (I wasn’t). This documentary will not only change that, but will offer an opportunity to see some of his spectacularly mesmerizing work. TheAlthough most people saw Cai Guo-Qiang's fireworks display for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, they probably weren’t aware of the artist (I wasn’t). This documentary will not only change that, but will offer an opportunity to see some of his spectacularly mesmerizing work. The objective of the doc is the chronicle his attempts to create the titular structure, a 1,650 foot ladder of fire. Along the way, there are displays of his other “explosive work,” as well as the paintings he creates using gun powder. Director Kevin Macdonald tells his art career with wonderful detail, but his personal life is mostly glanced over. Still, just to see his magical creations is sufficient to make this doc a visually thrilling experience.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Jcondic

Dec 13, 2016

Sky Ladder is a fascinating look at an artist’s drive to fulfill his passion project. I never heard of this guy before but I’m glad I know about him now.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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