Trouble the Water
Metascore
83 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    The documentary shows outrageous behavior, none more so than when they and many others are directed to a nearby Navy base for refuge.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    100
    Trouble the Water is so much better and truer and deeper and more illuminating than either of them ("Bowling for Columbine"/"Fahrenheit 9/11").
  3. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Michael Sragow
    100
    Enraging and inspiring. It boasts the miraculous quality of finding a letter in a bottle and discovering that its authors are alive.
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Lisa Schwarzbaum
    100
    Essential, unique viewing.
  5. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Andrew O'Hehir
    100
    If possible, Roberts' movie-within-a-movie is even more amazing than it sounds. She captures a tale of courage, heroism and tragedy more thrilling than any Hollywood spectacle.
  6. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: J.R. Jones
    100
    It's a damning indictment of a national disgrace, but it also reveals the incredible faith and resilience of people who have nothing to rely on but themselves.
  7. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    100
    A marvelous documentary that brings home the terror and heroism brought forth by the Katrina debacle.
  8. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Joanne Kaufman
    90
    A deeply moving story of resilience and redemption.
  9. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    88
    Lessin and Deal have made Trouble the Water a spellbinder you do not want to miss.
  10. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    88
    Slowly builds power to devastating effect.
  11. Premiere
    Reviewed by: Pauline Pechin
    88
    A remarkable and disturbing look at the personal stories glossed over by the headlines.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. RogerH.
    10
    Brilliant, brilliant, compelling doc. True passion
  2. SusanS.
    10
    Powerful stuff, and a hard reminder of the state of our union.
  3. filmtrashreview
    7
    As motivational as it is, the story of one hurricane Katrina victim doesn't spread far enough to convey any real message. Its interesting but that is about it. The last half an hour is filled with her rap career in order to create a feature length film. I loved the footage from inside the house as the hurricane swept across and also the stories that were told. We just never care deep enough for the main character to ever become fully invested in her and her life.… Full Review »
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