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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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61% Tomatometer 36 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 Feb 10, 2005
2/5
Basically, this is a fairly run-of-the-mill story of family dysfunction with a sports twist. Go to Full Review Rex Reed Observer Feb 10, 2005
The story isn't unusual or compelling enough to make a lasting impression. Go to Full Review Luke Sader The Hollywood Reporter Feb 5, 2005
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. Go to Full Review Prairie Miller Long Island Press Mar 26, 2007
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. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Oct 22, 2005
2/4
...routine and banal... Go to Full Review Matthew Turner ViewLondon Jun 11, 2005
3/5
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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Chris P @RT06285801 Jan 19, 2026 Makes me want to get out there and get swimming again overcoming the challenge of being out of shape. Having said that--great movie though difficult to watch with the family dynamics particularly the incredibly difficult and hurtful father. Well written, well acted, inspirational. In the end a great message, though these were seen in-between. Very pleased i found this. See more lanfranco c @Lanfrancobz Jun 4, 2021 The hard way for the redemption See more steve d @RT35616104 Jul 1, 2020 Competent, but nothing special, you have seen it done better. See more Jun 26, 2013 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. See more Jun 24, 2012 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. See more Dec 24, 2011 Beautifully acted, inspirational film about a young swimmer who triumphs despite almost overwheming odds See more 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

A scene from the film "Swimming Upstream." A scene from the film SWIMMING UPSTREAM directed by Russell Mulcahy. A scene from the film SWIMMING UPSTREAM directed by Russell Mulcahy. A scene from the film SWIMMING UPSTREAM directed by Russell Mulcahy. A scene from the film SWIMMING UPSTREAM directed by Russell Mulcahy. A scene from the film SWIMMING UPSTREAM directed by Russell Mulcahy. A scene from the film SWIMMING UPSTREAM directed by Russell Mulcahy. A scene from the film "Swimming Upstream." A scene from the film "Swimming Upstream." A scene from the film SWIMMING UPSTREAM directed by Russell Mulcahy. 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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