Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis, Jesse Spencer

The true story of Tony Fingleton, a young man from a troubled family who found the inner strength to become a champion. Set in 1950s Brisbane, Australia, the family drama centers on Tony, a young man ...( read more  read more... )who beats the odds to become a champion swimmer in spite of his overbearing, alcoholic father and long-suffering, but quietly heroic mother. Overshadowed in his father's eyes by his brothers, it's only when Tony displays an extraordinary swimming talent that he feels he has a shot at wining his father's heart--and maybe even Olympic gold.

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80% liked it

2,002 ratings

PG-13, 1 hr. 38 min.

Directed by: Russell Mulcahy

Release Date: July 21, 2004

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DVD Release Date: May 31, 2005

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Stats: 141 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (141)


  • January 11, 2008
    he story of a young man's struggle to gain his fathers love and approval.

    As the most sensitive and brightest boy of a very large family, Tony tries to please his macho father who appears to be unimpressed by his academic prowess and only accepts sporting triumph as sucess.

    Bas...( read more)ed-on-a-real-life film with stunning pool filming and good looking actors.

    Swimmers will understand the pull that the pool has on Tony as he copes with his difficult life.

    An inspiration to get back into serious swimming.
  • March 20, 2009
    Involving and inspirational without a doubt.
  • January 16, 2009
    Beautiful..

    Amazing storyline and powerful performances by the whole cast not forgetting to mention the great direction..

    Heart wrenching yet inspiring story of a young man struggling to gain his cruel father's approval or at least attention..

    Based on true events of the li...( read more)fe of Australian swimmer Tony Fingleton, this is a rather good watch. It's a shame it got discarded the way it did, barely having a theatrical run in most countries..
  • January 14, 2009
    I liked it. It was a typical inspiring story type of movie.
  • January 3, 2009
    No thankyou - Not interested
  • December 8, 2008
    I love this movie xD
  • September 2, 2008
    Too whinny for my taste.
  • August 6, 2008
    Beautifully acted, inspirational film about a young swimmer who triumphs despite almost overwheming odds
  • February 24, 2008
    this is a great movie!
  • February 4, 2008
    It's a very good movie, based on a true story, very cute sweimmers too, Geoffrey Rush is great...It's worth to be watched!

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  • foxymoron92
    July 8, 2007
    THIS MOVIE IS FUKEN AWSUM! GET SUM FUKEN COMMENTS IN HERE!!!!!!!

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Swimming Upstream : Watch Free on TV


Swimming Upstream Trivia


  • Which one is not a horror movie?  Answer »
  • 2003 Film The inspirational life story of Australian swimmer, Tony Fingleton. Starring Geoffrey Rush & Jesse Spencer  Answer »
  • The movie Swimming Upstream is about brothers who become rivals in the intense world of swimming in Australia. Is the Producer of the film one of the boys who become his brothers rival?  Answer »

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