73
Metascore
13 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80VarietyPeter DebrugeVarietyPeter DebrugeWith the aid of Johnsen’s doc to overcome the obstacles China has put in his path, Ai’s voice carries louder than ever before.
- 80The DissolveAndrew LapinThe DissolveAndrew LapinIn Ai Weiwei: The Fake Case, a fascinating, essential marker in the ongoing saga of his exploits, the government fights Weiwei with artificial law to maintain an illusion of total control, fueling its target’s heroic persona in the process.
- China’s government can’t handle dissident artist Ai Weiwei. He turns every move to suppress him into brilliant conceptual art.
- 80The New York TimesA.O. ScottThe New York TimesA.O. ScottMr. Johnsen offers viewers the challenge and pleasure of an important artist’s company, and a chance to appreciate anew his wisdom, his wit and his bravery.
- 75The A.V. ClubDavid EhrlichThe A.V. ClubDavid EhrlichIt’s curious that The Fake Case works best as a dark comedy, with one particularly memorable scene finding Ai sneaking up on a couple of newlyweds as they have their wedding photos taken and snapping a few of his own.
- 75RogerEbert.comRogerEbert.comWatching him regain his confidence, sense of self and the rebellious spirit that defined him gives "The Fake Case" an unexpected and exciting feeling of momentum and, eventually, tension.
- The clever and defiant Ai, who is forever filming himself and others on his phone, does in one instance capture Johnsen on camera, but mainly the doc is missing any explanation of how a dissident forbidden from giving interviews agreed to it – as well as much context about his personal life.
- 70Village VoiceZachary WigonVillage VoiceZachary WigonWith such a compelling central figure it would be tough for the doc to not stimulate, but stimulation aside, its rather shapeless narrative can feel desultory.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterNeil YoungThe Hollywood ReporterNeil YoungAi Weiwei: The Fake Case is a professional, straightforward example of the behind-the-headlines sub-genre, executed in slick high-toned digital video and eschewing the soundtrack music so ubiquitous in documentaries nowadays.