Admirably gutsy . . . . Hooligan Sparrow, which Ms. Wang also shot and skillfully edited, has the pulse of a mainstream thriller but without the pacifying polish and tidiness.
— Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
Hooligan Sparrow is a vital reminder of the importance of artistic and journalistic freedom . . . . It’s a remarkable piece.
— Katie Walsh, Indiewire
[A] tremendous documentary . . . . Wang's film allows the public activist to be privately human.
— Diana Clarke, The Village Voice
Packing a double whammy, Hooligan Sparrow has the jaunty appeal of a feminist adventure film, while leaving no doubt about the gravity of the human rights struggle in China, particularly for women.
— Amy Taubin, Film Comment