Synopsis
Known for his spectacular pyrotechnic displays, Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang creates his most ambitious project yet: Sky Ladder, a visionary, explosive event that he pulls off in his hometown in China after 20 years of failed attempts.
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Cast
- Cai GuoqiangSelf
- Ian BurumaSelf
- Cai Wen-YouSelf
- Wenhao CaiSelf
- Jeffrey DeitchSelf
- Phil GrucciSelf
- Thomas KrensSelf
- Tatsumi MasatoshiSelf
- Orville SchellSelf
- Jennifer Wen MaSelf
Recommendations
- 80
The Guardian
Macdonald grants us insight into the process and, as expected, it’s hardly as haphazard as sceptics might think. - 80
The Hollywood Reporter
Sky Ladder chronicles his life and career in illuminating fashion, beginning with his troubled childhood. - 80
Screen Daily
Like Cai, the doc is a crowd-pleaser which reveals its complexities in a careful viewing. - 80
The New York Times
A documentary that is as rewarding as this artist’s work. - 75
The Film Stage
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. - 75
The A.V. Club
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. - 75
RogerEbert.com
For all of the film's ideas of art and entertainment, it might just forever change your preconceptions of the firework. - 70
Variety
“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.
