Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang
Netflix | Release Date: October 14, 2016 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
73
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
The New York TimesKen JaworowskiOct 13, 2016
A documentary that is as rewarding as this artist’s work. Read full review
80
Screen DailyDavid D'ArcySep 29, 2016
Like Cai, the doc is a crowd-pleaser which reveals its complexities in a careful viewing. Read full review
80
The GuardianJordan HoffmanSep 29, 2016
Macdonald grants us insight into the process and, as expected, it’s hardly as haphazard as sceptics might think. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckSep 29, 2016
Sky Ladder chronicles his life and career in illuminating fashion, beginning with his troubled childhood. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comNick AllenOct 14, 2016
For all of the film's ideas of art and entertainment, it might just forever change your preconceptions of the firework. Read full review
75
The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayOct 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
75
The Film StageJohn FinkSep 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
70
Los Angeles TimesRobert AbeleOct 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
70
VarietyJustin ChangSep 29, 2016
“Sky Ladder” may not fully penetrate the mystery of Cai’s artistic identity, but it ends with the poignant suggestion that the most significant accomplishments often stem from the simplest, most personal impulse. Read full review
60
Time Out LondonTom HuddlestonOct 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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