At A Glance Australias reputation for producing quality films is about to take another giant leap with the release of this remarkable film "Swimming Upstream". To use a well known australian phrase, "It's a bottler!" Based on the true story of the Fingleton family, from the novel by Tony & Diane Fingleton. "Swimming Upstream" is a most glorious production with a cast to match. While swimming is the theme of this film, the dominating factor is Harold Fingleton played by Geoffrey Rush. Having seen all of Rush's performances I can tell you that this one is scintillating indeed. Harold is not the sort of person who endears himself to the viewer. You'll love Rush for his performance but loath him as Harold. It really is that emotive. There's no doubting the dark effect Harold Fingleton had on his children. Tony Fingleton explains, "I think my father carried a lot of demons as a result of the depression but of course men didn't talk about things back then, So he turned more and more to alcohol and became more and more violent." Tonys sister Diane was also left scarred by the experience of growing up under her unpredictable father. Tonys sister often visited him and it was during one of those visits that he suggested they should write down their thoughts, "as a way to exorcise those old demons" he says. It wasn't lomg before the thoughts of a screenplay emerged. "I certainly had the characters, it's such a strong story and it's a story about family", he adds. It's the family aspect which is just as remarkable as Rush's performance. There are heartbreaking moments when Harold takes to his wife Dora [Judy Davis] while there is great joy in the flashback to the younger kids swimming at the local pool, in particular those memorable underwater scenes. There are moments of despair, moments of joy and feelings of triumph all wrapped up in "Swimming Upstream". It will have you laughing, feeling nostalgic, hating Harold, cheering for Tony and crying at the heart tugging scenes between Tony and his mother. In the end though, "Swimming Upstream" will leave you feeling extremely proud. Proud to be an aussie and proud at the accomplishments of our great film industry which is rapidly becoming the envy of the world. "Swimming Upstream" is directed by Russell Mulcahy [Highlander], the screenplay is by Anthony [Tony] Fingleton and stars Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis, Jesse Spencer as Tony and Tim Draxl as John. Highly Recommended for its quality, performance and entertainment value. The Story Life for Dora Fingleton and her children Tony, John, Ronald, Diane is an emotional rollercoaster. Her husband Harold Fingleton is an unpredictable man with a drinking problem while their eldest child Harold Jnr is turning into a younger version of his father and fast becoming an out and out bully. But Tony, John, Ronald and Diane have their own little world they can escape to and that is at the local swimming pool. Here they can escape the mixture of love, verbal and physical abuse, the torment from their older brother and immerse themselves into a world where they are safe. Their father invades their space when he discovers that John and Tony have a real talent for swimming. But even here in the pool Harolds sadistic, mean streak is evident when he favours John over his son Tony. Harold sees Tony as weak and despises him. To Harold, John has all the talent and, as a man who doesn't tolerate 'sissy's, his preferential treatment of John shows when he decides to train the boys and enter them in local swimming competitions. Harold is living his life through John and distancing himself further from Tony as John starts to dominate freestyle events. He fails to acknowlege Tonys accomplishments as a backstroke swimmer. All that changes when Tony is selected to represent Australia at the 1962 Empire Games in Perth. For the Fingleton family this a defining moment in all their lives. It will bring about change. The Verdict "One of the most defining Australian films I've had the pleasure to review. This is Rush at his very best. A film for all Australians. "Swimming Upstream" is a fascinating film and one which will leave you feeling proud to be an aussie. "Swimming Upstream" is a film of exceptional quality. A classy production and a memorable film." The Cast & Crew

Geoffrey Rush Judy Davis Jesse Spencer Tim Draxl David Hoflin Craig Horner Brittany Byrnes Deborah Kennedy Mark Hembrow Mitchell Dellevergin Thomas Davidson Kain O'Keefe Robert Quinn Keeara Byrnes Des Drury Simon Burvill-Holmes Bob Newman Luke Wright Sam Atwell Remi Broadway Melissa Thomas

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Harold Fingleton Dora Fingleton Tony Fingleton John Fingleton Harold Fingleton Jr Ronald Fingleton Diane Fingleton Billie Tommy Young Tony Young John Young Harold Jr Young Ronald Young Diane Mack Brother Campbell Panno Mark Larry Murray Rose Dawn Fraser

Adapted from the novel by Diane & Tony Fingleton Directed by Russell Mulcahy Screenplay by Anthony Fingleton Original Music by Reinhold Heil & Johnny Klimek Cinematography by Martin McGrath Film Editing by Marcus D'Arcy Casting by Ann Robinson Production Design by Roger Ford Art Direction by Laurie Faen Costume Design by Angus Strathie Makeup Department Lynne O'Brien Rated M15+ [AUST] Run Time 102 minutes Copyright ©2003 - Hoyts Distribution - All Rights Reserved Copyright©2003 - Impact Internet Services - All Rights Reserved