X
  • 2016
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 16 m
  • 2016
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 16 m
Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang

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 ...

Directed By: Kevin Macdonald

  • 2016
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 16 m
  • 2016
  • Netflix
  • 1 h 16 m

Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 10 Critic Reviews
73
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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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 ...

Directed By: Kevin Macdonald

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 10 Critic Reviews
73
90% Positive
9 Reviews
10% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 10 Critic Reviews
73
90% Positive
9 Reviews
10% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
80
Oct 13, 2016
A documentary that is as rewarding as this artist’s work.
By Ken Jaworowski FULL REVIEW
80
Sep 29, 2016
Sky Ladder chronicles his life and career in illuminating fashion, beginning with his troubled childhood.
By Frank Scheck FULL REVIEW
80
Sep 29, 2016
Macdonald grants us insight into the process and, as expected, it’s hardly as haphazard as sceptics might think.
By Jordan Hoffman FULL REVIEW
75
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.
By Noel Murray FULL REVIEW
75
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.
By John Fink FULL REVIEW
70
Sep 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.
By Justin Chang FULL REVIEW
60
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.
By Tom Huddleston FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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Details

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Production Company Explosion Art, Insurgent Docs, Rock Paper Scissors Entertainment
Release Date Oct 14, 2016
Duration 1 h 16 m
Genres
Tagline Discover an artist reaching for the sky
View All Details

Awards

Sundance Film Festival
• 1 Nomination

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