The Island President

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.

—Andrew O'Hehir Salon

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.

—A. O. Scott New York Times

...documents a brave battle against overwhelming odds.

—Peter Debruge Variety

The film successfully positions its point of view with the developing countries that suffer the most immediate consequences of global warming rather than the developed countries most responsible for climate change and from whose citizenry Jon Shenk's prospective audience is likely to be drawn.

—Andrew Schenker Slant Magazine

—Melissa Anderson Village Voice

The first half hour shows a dynamic politician who gets things done; the last hour shows him ground to dust by diplomats.

—Noel Murray Onion AV Club