Watch Swimming Upstream

Swimming Upstream is a 2003 Australian biographical drama film directed by Russell Mulcahy. The film stars Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis and Jesse Spencer in leading roles. The movie is based on the real-life story of Tony Fingleton, a former Olympic swimmer who faced numerous obstacles in his life but achieved great success due to his determination and resilience. The film depicts the early life of Tony Fingleton, from his childhood in Brisbane to his struggles as a young man in the 1960s.

Geoffrey Rush portrays Tony's father, Harold Fingleton, who is an abusive, alcoholic man with a violent temper. Judy Davis plays Dora Fingleton, Tony's mother, who is devoted to her children but powerless to protect them from Harold's wrath. Jesse Spencer brings to life the role of Tony Fingleton, the talented swimmer and the central character of the film.

The movie begins in 1956 when Tony is just eight years old. The Fingleton family is poor, but Harold dreams of his sons becoming Olympic swimmers and making a name for themselves. Tony is a natural swimmer and shows early signs of talent. However, the abusive household and Harold's unrealistic expectations take a toll on Tony, leading to a strained relationship between father and son.

As Tony grows older, he becomes more successful in his swimming career but also has to deal with family drama and financial difficulties. He falls in love with a girl named Sharon, played by Brittany Byrnes, who shares his passion for swimming but does not understand the intensity of his family struggles.

Throughout the film, Tony's relationship with his father is a focal point. Harold routinely berates and beats his sons in his drunken state, yet Tony is determined to make him proud. Tony's persistence pays off when he is offered a scholarship to study and swim in the United States, which could lead to a place on the Olympic team.

The film highlights Tony's struggles as a young man, his battles with his father, and his triumphs in the pool. The swimming sequences are well crafted and serve as a shining example of Tony's talent and dedication. Additionally, the film captures the 1960s era with its costumes, music, and cinematography, creating an immersive experience for the viewer.

Overall, Swimming Upstream is a compelling biographical drama that showcases the power of determination, hard work, and resilience. The performances by Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis, and Jesse Spencer are stellar and capture the essence of the characters. The movie is an emotional rollercoaster, leaving the audience rooting for Tony to succeed despite the challenges he faces.

Swimming Upstream is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 58.