Swimming Upstream (2003)

Director:

Russell Mulcahy

Writers (WGA):

Anthony Fingleton (autobiography) and
Diane Fingleton (autobiography) ...

Release Date:

27 February 2003 (Australia)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Sport

Tagline:

The pride of a nation. The heart of a champion.

Plot:

The inspirational life story of Australian swimmer, Tony Fingleton.

Plot Keywords:

Swimming | Champion | Swimmer | Tears | Ironing

Awards:

4 wins & 15 nominations

Cast

Geoffrey Rush	...	Harold Fingleton
Judy Davis	...	Dora Fingleton
Jesse Spencer	...	Tony Fingleton
Tim Draxl	...	John Fingleton
Deborah Kennedy	...	Billie
David Hoflin	...	Harold Fingleton Jr.
Craig Horner	...	Ronald Fingleton
Brittany Byrnes	...	Diane Fingleton
Mitchell Dellevergin	...	Young Tony
Thomas Davidson	...	Young John
Kain O'Keeffe	...	Young Harold Jr.
Robert Quinn	...	Young Ronald
Keeara Byrnes	...	Young Diane
Mark Hembrow	...	Tommy
Simon Burvill-Holmes	...	Brother Campbell

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for thematic material involving alcoholism and domestic abuse.

Runtime:

114 min | Australia:105 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

USA:PG-13 (certificate #39346) | Germany:12 | Iceland:12 | Australia:M | Brazil:12 | New Zealand:M | Singapore:PG | UK:12A

Filming Locations:

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Company:

Upstream Productions Pty. Ltd.

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:

Young Harold Jr.: [whilst boxing] Are you crying? Yeah, you're crying!
Young Tony: [sobbing] I am not crying!
Young Harold Jr.: [punches Tony again] You are now!

Movie Connections:

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

Soundtrack:

Adagio for Strings

Hard to like

This well acted true story drama is a difficult movie and wont be particularly popular. I gave it an 8 out of 10 although I've got to say I didn't like it so much as appreciate it. The test of a good drama for me is whether you talk about it and question aspects of it after its over. This certainly had me and my wife talking, mainly about the relationships issues that it generates (particularly those between parents and their kids). I won't be recommending this to every friend, but for those that I know that appreciate a movie that makes you think, it gets my vote of confidence. My final comment regards Tony Fingleton himself. If you are out there reading this Tony, all I can say is that I wish you and your family in New York every happiness and success. Nobody should have to experience the kind of torment brought upon you by your father.