Swimming Upstream

2003
12A
1h 54m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

The inspirational life story of Australian swimmer Tony Fingleton.The inspirational life story of Australian swimmer Tony Fingleton.The inspirational life story of Australian swimmer Tony Fingleton.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.0/10

3.5K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 4 wins & 15 nominations

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
In the movie, Tony competes in the 100-meter backstroke, winning a silver medal at the Empire Games in 1962. In 1962, the Empire Games swimming events were measured in yards, and Tony won silver behind another Australian in the 220-yard event. When he is later told that "your event was today" in reference to the 1964 Olympics, it refers to the 200-meter backstroke - the 100 wasn't contested in Tokyo.

Quotes
Tony Fingleton: [narrating] 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've ever imagined. Something in another world.

Alternate versions
The United States release has several scenes cut or shortened compared to the Australian release. These have been included in the extras on the DVD's. The ending of the US version is very different from the Australian version. The Australian version has Tony's dad appearing at the pool in the end scene, whereas the US version it is his coach.

Connections
Featured in Swimming Upstream: The Making of a Champion (2005)

Soundtracks
Adagio for Strings
Written by Samuel Barber

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