73
Metascore
10 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80The GuardianJordan HoffmanThe GuardianJordan HoffmanMacdonald grants us insight into the process and, as expected, it’s hardly as haphazard as sceptics might think.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckSky Ladder chronicles his life and career in illuminating fashion, beginning with his troubled childhood.
- 80Screen DailyDavid D'ArcyScreen DailyDavid D'ArcyLike Cai, the doc is a crowd-pleaser which reveals its complexities in a careful viewing.
- 80The New York TimesKen JaworowskiThe New York TimesKen JaworowskiA documentary that is as rewarding as this artist’s work.
- 75The Film StageJohn FinkThe Film StageJohn FinkAs 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.
- 75The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe A.V. ClubNoel MurrayGiven 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.
- 75RogerEbert.comNick AllenRogerEbert.comNick AllenFor all of the film's ideas of art and entertainment, it might just forever change your preconceptions of the firework.
- 70VarietyJustin ChangVarietyJustin Chang“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.
- 70Los Angeles TimesRobert AbeleLos Angeles TimesRobert AbeleA 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.
- 60Time Out LondonTom HuddlestonTime Out LondonTom Huddleston75 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.