Swimming Upstream (2004)

People are voting emotionally.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I just saw this movie, and really enjoyed it. The parts played by Judy Davis and Geoffrey Rush were really superbly played, and it was so factual. I was empathizing with Tony a lot, because he so wanted his father to approve of him, but the father wouldn't, or couldn't. I too, like the above comment, was disappointed that he just went to the USA, and I felt that he should have continued on with the swimming and going for the gold to represent his country, Australia. He could have gone to the US at another time, because he was still young yet. But an enjoyable movie about perseverance in spite of disappointments and a sad home life.

I wasn't expecting this movie to be this good, although I hoped that it would be. Rarely do I walk away from a movie and say, "A+" but this is one movie where I did.I'm sure that some viewers will complain that this movie has a down tone to much of it. Of course, much of the movie centers on the harsh reality of domestic violence & how this affects a family & in particular, a son who didn't have the true support of his father. But, the lasting message is one of victory over circumstances. The main character's mother once said to her son, "Are you as strong as I think you are? In the head." She got it right. He didn't need to be strong physically. But, he had to have the inner strength to overcome all that he faced by having a selfish and sometimes cruel father.Some of my favorite lines in this movie..."It's funny how the stumbling blocks of life can help make us better people. I never had the support of my father. But, in the end that's what gave me the strength to seek something more than I could have ever imagined." "You were always a fighter." "Only you can make something of yourself. Not your father, not me." "Are you as strong as I think you are? In the head." "You are my hero." (Said to his mother)

Swimming Upstream is not a typical macho sporting flick - you will be forced to think. The movie will effect all your senses and may expose skeletons from the cupboard, normally remained locked away for years and years.The capturing of the intense Queensland light, searing heat and crystal clear water is set against the contrast of the struggle of the family members.Disregard the sport and the period the film portrays and relate the same story to your own or other's family relationships - the story is all too close to home.

Saw this film at the Denver Film Festival and found it to be intense and moving. Tony Fingleton spoke after the film ended. Making this film was truly a labor of love and he was actually moved to tears as he spoke about his childhood. He said he no longer speaks to his brother-very sad. He said that the film was originally planned as a made for television program but the budget was too great as it is a period piece. Competitive swim buffs, Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis fans alike should appreciate it. The actors playing the brothers when they are older are hot too ! I hope this film is able to be distributed widely so it can be seen by lots of people-it is a perfect film for families with older children . Highly recommend this film