The Swimmers
The Swimmers

Movie spotlight

The Swimmers

2022
Movie
134 min
English

From war-torn Syria to the 2016 Rio Olympics, two young sisters embark on a risky voyage, putting their hearts and their swimming skills to heroic use.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes77%
Metacritic66/100
Google Users87%
Director: Sally El HosainiGenres: Biography, Drama, Sport

Plot Summary

Based on a true story, The Swimmers follows the journey of Syrian sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini as they flee war-torn Syria in 2015. Facing perilous conditions, they embark on a dangerous trek across Europe, ultimately aiming to compete in the Rio Olympics as part of the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team. Their courage and determination in the face of immense adversity inspire hope and highlight the resilience of the human spirit.

Critical Reception

The Swimmers received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its emotional depth, powerful performances, and timely subject matter. While some found the pacing occasionally uneven, the film was widely commended for its inspiring portrayal of the Mardini sisters' extraordinary journey and their advocacy for refugees.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inspiring true story and compelling performances, particularly from the lead actresses.

  • Appreciated for its emotional impact and depiction of the refugee crisis.

  • Some critics noted pacing issues, but the overall message of hope and resilience was well-received.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praised the film for its inspiring true story, powerful performances, and emotional resonance. Many highlighted the courage of the Mardini sisters and the film's effective portrayal of their challenging journey. The message of hope and the importance of standing up for others were frequently mentioned as key takeaways.

Fun Fact

The actors playing Yusra and Sara Mardini, Nathalie Issa and Manal Issa, are actual sisters in real life.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Two young sisters - Sara (Manal Issa) and Yusra (Nathalie Issa) are obsessed with representing their Syrian nation at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Their father is their coach and their mentor, and he drives them hard - but t...