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. 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 a visually thrilling experience.. 
(4.5 / 5)
