The Island President
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Andrew O'Hehir
    Mar 31, 2012
    90
    Nasheed has traveled the world describing the Maldives as the Poland of global warming - meaning, of course, Poland in 1939. If his country cannot be saved from rising sea levels, he maintains, then there may be no saving Tokyo or Mumbai or New Orleans or New York.
  2. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    Apr 6, 2012
    83
    Nasheed is no saint, and if he had remained in office, maybe, as with so many others, he would have capitulated to politics as usual. But his temper, if not his outcome, is inspiring.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. DannyHerrera16
    9
    The hope that infuses this movie makes it all the more upsetting to walk out of the theater and contemplate a looming disaster that the world's leaders seem unable to prevent.… Full Review »
  2. mrnice
    9
    A vital document on a vital subject. You don't have to like what you see here. It's a story set around a major diplomatic failure, and as such the footage should be heart-breaking. But the primary hero of the movie is well chosen since he lifts us from despair to an inspired state, realizing that the political course of action is just a sum of inputs from more-or-less heroic individuals. We follow arguably the most heroic, and thereby see an example worth our full attention. The documentary shows footage from negotiations, speeches, the political struggle, and the dreaded COP15-conference. It also shows footage from Maldives, about the current impacts of rising waters (or.. that was four years ago) and Mr Nasheed's service on the islands. It never gets heavy or dull (as this long review), but uses lots of music (by Radiohead mostly) and visually interesting shots to feel fresh and moving. It is an important document in order to know of the struggles of individuals when the leaders of the rich failed to come together for the world, and it is a strong testemony to Mr Nasheed's struggle and work. If Muhamed Nasheed is ever to be judged by anyone, I hope this movie will be played in his defense..… Full Review »
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