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Swimming Upstream

  • 2002
  • PG-13
  • 1h 45m
IMDb RATING
6.0/10
213
YOUR RATING
Swimming Upstream (2002)
Drama

The scrapbook of most teenagers shows family members and friends at a picnic, at the high school basketball game, at Disneyland. Morris Bird III's, however, paints a different picture. This ... Read allThe scrapbook of most teenagers shows family members and friends at a picnic, at the high school basketball game, at Disneyland. Morris Bird III's, however, paints a different picture. This happy-go-lucky, all-American kid whose only wish in life is to get laid by his cute, but h... Read allThe scrapbook of most teenagers shows family members and friends at a picnic, at the high school basketball game, at Disneyland. Morris Bird III's, however, paints a different picture. This happy-go-lucky, all-American kid whose only wish in life is to get laid by his cute, but hesitant girlfriend suddenly faces terminal cancer, bringing painful and difficult issues t... Read all

  • Director
    • Robert J. Emery
  • Writers
    • Don Robertson
    • Robert J. Emery
  • Stars
    • Matt Czuchry
    • Elisabeth Harnois
    • Michael Moriarty
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.0/10
    213
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Robert J. Emery
    • Writers
      • Don Robertson
      • Robert J. Emery
    • Stars
      • Matt Czuchry
      • Elisabeth Harnois
      • Michael Moriarty
    • 13User reviews
    • 3Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos

    Top cast69

    Edit
    Matt Czuchry
    Matt Czuchry
    • Morris Bird III
    Elisabeth Harnois
    Elisabeth Harnois
    • Julie Sutton
    Michael Moriarty
    Michael Moriarty
    • Morris Bird II
    Kelly Rutherford
    Kelly Rutherford
    • Sandra Bird
    Ben Savage
    Ben Savage
    • Teddy Benevides
    Barbara Orson
    • Minnie Goldfarb
    Ron Dean
    Ron Dean
    • Coach Cramer
    Edwin W. Thurston
    • Mr. Barron
    Justin Ordman
    • Gavin Richards
    Nigel Gore
    Nigel Gore
    • Hospital Orderly
    Jeffrey DeMunn
    Jeffrey DeMunn
    • Dr. Henry Berkson
    Patricia Fellows
    • Woman Customer
    Eric Ruben
    • Man Customer
    Marian Varon
    • Mrs. Pruitt
    Shawn Da Luz
    • Mt. Hope High School Soccer Team…
    Caleb Neves
    • Mt. Hope High School Soccer Team…
    Jadon Neves
    • Mt. Hope High School Soccer Team…
    Kyle Teixeira
    • Mt. Hope High School Soccer Team…
    • Director
      • Robert J. Emery
    • Writers
      • Don Robertson
      • Robert J. Emery
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews13

    6.0213
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    Featured reviews

    1dushkufan

    Possibly THE worst movie of 2002

    CRAP! I accidentally watched this film-thinking that it was the Swimming Upstream that was released in 2003. I seriously regret wasting an hour of my life sitting through it. Shame on whoever gave this junk an award. I thoroughly loathed this film-in fact I didn't see it through to the end. After an hour I could no longer stand it. I am disgusted that people are amused by such a lousy script-which tries and fails to rip off a dozen other human interest stories and such BA-AD acting. PAINFUL. I rate it 1 star out of 10. An amateur could make a much, much greater movie.
    tm03

    Excellent tear-jerker

    I went to the world premiere of SWIMMING UPSTREAM in Newport RI, but I missed most of the third act because my lady friend was slobbering so loudly. And well she should. SWIMMING UPSTREAM is the heart wrenching story of a 17 year old boy who is stricken with terminal leukemia and how he deals with this tragedy. Brilliantly written and directed by Robert Emery, the film is set in Bristol RI where it was also filmed. Emery does an excellent job of keeping the film ever poignant without letting it become maudlin. The cast is headed by newcomer Matt Czuchry who delivers a stellar performance as the unfortunate youngster. The fine supporting cast is headed by Michael Moriarty and Kelly Rutherford as the young man's father and sister. Elisabeth Harnois delivers yet another Oscar caliber performance as the boy's girlfriend. For my money, this little gal is far and away the best actress of the current crop of starlets. And what a cutie pie! SWIMMING UPSTREAM is a beautiful film. Truly beautiful. Don't miss it.
    erinlungs

    Absolutely Beautiful

    I too thought this was going to be the Aussie version but I was totally surprised and also amazed at this beautiful film. My sister and I sat and watched this together and by the end we were in tears as it was so touching and so well done. I think it is worth taking the time to see it. It deals with human emotion from the eyes of a 17 year old boy who comes from a dysfunctional family yet still finds it possible to rise above this and see life for what it can be. The best friend was an added bonus making light of a bad situation and keeping things linked. If not for anything else watch this for the amazing views shown throughout. See it for yourself as I did and and you may be pleasantly surprised.
    9rms7-584-490430

    An uplifting story of a family dealing with personal tragedy

    This was a gem of a movie with a strong cast. It deals with family dynamics in a painfully honest manner. Although appearing to be formulaic it is not. Parents of teenagers will enjoy and benefit from watching this movie. It also a love story which which appeal to the romantic viewer.

    The story unfolds slowly until you are taken in with the characters and the family secrets that unfold. set in Rode Island the 4th of July makes a good backdrop for the story lines woven through out the film.

    the film touches on a broad range of topics including virginity, death, suicide, euthanasia, cancer, teen pregnancy, sibling love, and friendship.
    10se-2

    Intelligent storytelling

    I had the pleasure of seeing this film. Thank goodness for filmmakers who are not afraid to tell real stories. To give the plot away is to ruin the film for anyone who can appreciate intelligent storytelling. I will say that parts of it are sad, but it is about life and how we all touch each other, one way or another. Two-time EMMY winner Michael Moriarty turns in a wonderful, mature performance. I recommend it for all ages, from twelve on up.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Quotes

      Morris Bird III: Have you ever loved anybody, Teddy?

      Teddy Benevides: Sure, my mother and my father. But only until I was 12.

      Morris Bird III: I was being serious.

      Teddy Benevides: Yeah, me too.

    • Soundtracks
      Sexy Lady
      Composed by Gabriel J. Maciocia

      Published by Stack/Ursula

      Top Ten Hits (BMI)

      Recorded by The Four Tops

      Courtesy of Stack Entertainment

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    Details

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    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Production companies
      • Media Entertainment
      • Upstream Productions Pty. Ltd.
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 45m(105 min)
    • Color
      • Color

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