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Swimming Upstream

Play trailer Poster for Swimming Upstream PG-13 2005 1h 54m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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62% Tomatometer 37 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
One of many siblings in a large Australian family, Tony Fingleton (Jesse Spencer) struggles to make his own mark and, most importantly, garner the respect of his stern father, Harold (Geoffrey Rush). Deciding to pursue competitive swimming, Tony embarks on a quest to become the best athlete possible. Along the way, he discovers both confidence and his talent. Although Tony has the support of his beleaguered mom, Dora (Judy Davis), winning over his dad proves to be far more difficult.
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Swimming Upstream

Swimming Upstream

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Critics Consensus

Led by strong work from Judy Davis and Geoffrey Rush, Swimming Upstream tells its familiar story with just enough conviction to earn the audience's attention.

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Critics Reviews

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Tim Cogshell Boxoffice Magazine Basically, this is a fairly run-of-the-mill story of family dysfunction with a sports twist. Rated: 2/5 Feb 10, 2005 Full Review Rex Reed Observer The story isn't unusual or compelling enough to make a lasting impression. Feb 10, 2005 Full Review Luke Sader The Hollywood Reporter Good as Rush and Davis are as combative working-class parents Harold and Dora, their story line overpowers the drippy dramatics of their teen athlete son. It unwittingly feels like two separate movies. Feb 5, 2005 Full Review Prairie Miller Long Island Press The glimpses we get of this profoundly dysfunctional and violence ridden family are just that, as if viewed vaguely from a nosy neighbor's window. Mar 26, 2007 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...routine and banal... Rated: 2/4 Oct 22, 2005 Full Review Matthew Turner ViewLondon A moving drama that's ultimately worth seeing for the performances of Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis, even if you feel that you haven't quite heard the full story. Rated: 3/5 Jun 11, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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lanfranco c The hard way for the redemption Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review steve d Competent, but nothing special, you have seen it done better. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Frances H Inspiring story that I really loved, because, when this young man had a choice, he chose an education over the Olympics. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/02/15 Full Review Audience Member the movie itself was ok, an entertaining watch. but whoa, power to geoffrey rush & judy davis. salute with a capital S. geoffrey rush was so great in this, it surpassed his performance in Shine for sure. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Audience Member It's not easy movie to watch,but once you get used to the thick Aussie accent you devour the picture, hungry for more. Very nice,very nice indeed. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member Beautifully acted, inspirational film about a young swimmer who triumphs despite almost overwheming odds Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Swimming Upstream

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Cast & Crew

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Russell Mulcahy

Director

Geoffrey Rush

Harold Fingleton

Judy Davis

Dora Fingleton

Jesse Spencer

Tony Fingleton

Tim Draxl

John Fingleton

David Hoflin

Harold Fingleton Jr

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Swimming Upstream

Swimming Upstream (2002) Swimming Upstream (2002) Swimming Upstream (2002) Swimming Upstream (2002) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis One of many siblings in a large Australian family, Tony Fingleton (Jesse Spencer) struggles to make his own mark and, most importantly, garner the respect of his stern father, Harold (Geoffrey Rush). Deciding to pursue competitive swimming, Tony embarks on a quest to become the best athlete possible. Along the way, he discovers both confidence and his talent. Although Tony has the support of his beleaguered mom, Dora (Judy Davis), winning over his dad proves to be far more difficult.
Director
Russell Mulcahy
Producer
Howard Baldwin, Karen Elise Baldwin, Paul Pompain
Screenwriter
Anthony Fingleton, Diane Fingleton
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co
Upstream Productions Pty. Ltd.
Rating
PG-13 (Domestic Abuse|Alcohol-Related Materials)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 4, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 4, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$47.2K
Runtime
1h 54m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby SRD
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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