The Swimmer Review

 

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5

Release Date:  November 23, 2022 

Director: Sally El Hosaini

Actors: James Floyd, Manal Issa 

Plot

Yusra and Sara, two Syrian girls, are the subjects of the film "The Swimmers," which follows their lives. In Daraya and Damascus, where the movie begins, they enjoy activities like hanging out with friends, learning to swim from their father, and spending time with their family, which includes their younger sister and their beloved bird, Lulu. However, as the Syrian civil war escalates and the government responds with deadly force to suppress the opposition, the girls' lives are upended. Nonviolent democratic rallies against President Bashar turn violent, making it increasingly difficult for the family to continue their daily lives. Eventually, Sara convinces her family that they should flee to Germany, where some of their friends have gone, in the hopes of applying for family reunification before Yusra turns 18. Along with their cousin Nizar, they embark on a risky journey to Berlin, facing social stigma and dishonest smugglers along the way. Coach Sven notices Yusra's talent for swimming after they arrive in Berlin and register as immigrants. She starts preparing for the 2016 Summer Olympics as a member of the first-ever refugee squad with his support. Overall, "The Swimmers" follows the tale of two young ladies who travel to Germany in search of safety after having their lives drastically altered by the Syrian civil war.

Review

I had to give "The Swimmers" a 3 out of 5 star rating even though I liked the plot and the portrayal was accurate. I wanted more from the movie despite the fact that it was a poignant tribute to the Mardini sisters and the Syrian refugee issue. Although it was a motivational sports film, I was looking for more nuance and subtlety. Although the sisters' relationship was well-acted, other characters and plot threads seemed undeveloped. Furthermore, the movie's pacing seemed a little hurried, glossing over certain crucial events and information. All things considered, "The Swimmers" is a valuable addition to the story of Syrian refugees and the strength of tenacity. But I think it falls short in a few places and doesn't quite live up to its full potential.

Other Review IMDb review 

"The story has everything you'd ever need to inspire young and old.

There's just something missing.

That something is that the screenplay, direction and chosen edit feel like a glossy magazine - not a gutsy drama.

The treatment of the subject matter is misguided at best.

Then when the director realises that there are massive lulls in the story it's jazzed up with some Hollywood-like plasticity just to keep a pulse going.

The story itself is moving, definitely. The casting and acting near perfect.

It's just difficult to understand how with all the industry experience for bringing incredible tales like this to the screen that the audience is subjected to the incredible stretches of outright boredom when there's all this material to choose from.

It's a real shame because the tale itself is mind blowing."

TD _assessment of "The Swimmers" faults it for lacking in its screenplay, directing, and editing despite having a gripping narrative that has the potential to motivate viewers of all ages. The critic believes that the way the subject matter is handled is inappropriate, and that the movie occasionally uses Hollywood-style plasticity to keep the plot moving, which detracts from the drama's authenticity. Although the story itself is heartfelt, the critic thinks that the film's tempo and shallow approach to the subject matter prevent it from having the emotional impact it should. Although the film's numerous problems make it difficult to comprehend how such an outstanding tale could be subjected to long lengths of plain dullness, the casting and acting are hailed as being nearly faultless. The reviewer closes by lamenting the fact that such an amazing narrative did not receive the attention it deserved on screen.