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May 14, 2006

Swimming Upstream - 6

This is the life story of Australian swimmer Tony Fingelton. He had three brothers and a drunkard for a father. The film shows the obstacles of family life that he had to deal with and overcome in order to see his own life as valuable. He eventually becomes the backstroke champion of Australia, and gives up going to the Olympics in order to get a full ride scholarship to Harvard. Tony's father has lost his job, and his drinking leads to fighting with his family. Eventually he comes around and realizes that he cannot live vicariously through his sons. The film ends as Tony has found his way out, not as an escape but as free to become who he will be. Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis star as Tony's parents.

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