Swim Team (2016)

Release Date:

2016

Movie Rating:

Not Rated

Runtime:

1h 30m

Swim Team (2016) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

Swim Team follows the journey of a group of teenagers with autism who come together to form a competitive swim team. The film centers on the lives of these young athletes as they train and compete, showcasing their dedication and teamwork. Led by a determined coach, the team faces various challenges both in and out of the pool. As they prepare for the state championships, the swimmers work hard to improve their skills and support each other. The movie highlights their experiences at swim meets and the camaraderie that develops among the team members. Through their shared passion for swimming, the team members strive to achieve their goals and make a splash in the competitive swimming world.

IMDb
7.5
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
Metacritic
72/100

Where To Watch: Swim Team

Parental Feedback

Swim Team, released in 2016, is a documentary film that falls under the genre of sports and inspirational storytelling. It is a movie for kids, rated TV-G, and it has been generally well-received by parents for its uplifting and motivational tone. The film focuses on the journey of a competitive swim team made up of teenagers on the autism spectrum, highlighting themes of perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth. Most parents appreciate the positive messages and the way it encourages understanding and empathy.

Why Kids Should Watch Swim Team

Swim Team is praised for its heartwarming and educational content.

  • Promotes understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism.
  • Features a strong character arc where team members overcome personal challenges.
  • Visually engaging with exciting swim meet scenes that capture kids' attention.
  • Encourages teamwork and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Swim Team

Some parents note that the film's emotional depth might be challenging for younger viewers.

  • Explores themes of disability and societal challenges that may require parental guidance.
  • Some scenes may be emotionally intense as they depict personal struggles.
  • The documentary style might not appeal to all children expecting a traditional narrative.

Verdict: Parent Approved

Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers valuable lessons in empathy, showcases the power of teamwork, and provides an inspiring look at overcoming obstacles.

What Parents Should Know About Swim Team

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? The movie showcases characters who support each other and work together to achieve their goals, modeling teamwork and perseverance.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? There are moments where the characters face personal and societal challenges, which may require parental explanation.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? The film highlights the importance of kindness and understanding, showing positive outcomes when these behaviors are practiced.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? Teamwork is a central theme, with characters frequently collaborating and supporting each other.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about acceptance and the power of determination, delivered through the team's journey and achievements.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

Swim Team is celebrated for its inspiring portrayal of young athletes overcoming challenges, making it a valuable watch for children. While some emotional themes may require parental guidance, the film's positive messages about acceptance and perseverance are clear and impactful. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the themes of the film with their children. For those interested in similar content, movies like "Akeelah and the Bee" or "The Mighty" also offer uplifting stories of young individuals achieving greatness against the odds.

Official Swim Team Trailer

The Core Values Learned From Swim Team

Swim Team's most common core values include Determination, Teamwork, and Inclusion. These values are seen in how the teens come together to form their swim team. Despite facing various challenges, they are determined to succeed and do their best at swim meets. Their shared experiences and goals bring them closer, and their teamwork skills improve as they learn to rely on one another. Inclusion is at the heart of their journey, as the team welcomes each member and values their unique contributions. As the team grows, so does their Friendship, with each swimmer feeling like an important part of the group.

The core values of determination, teamwork, and inclusion shine during practice sessions and competitions. One memorable scene shows the team struggling during a difficult practice. Instead of giving up, they encourage each other to push through, showcasing their determination. Their coach helps them focus on working together, making sure everyone feels included and valued. On the day of the state championships, their teamwork is put to the test. The swimmers cheer each other on, knowing that everyone's efforts are needed for success. This moment highlights how they embrace inclusion, recognizing the importance of each member's role.

Other Core Values Explored: Perseverance | Empathy | Family love | Building confidence. | Encouraging others | Resilience | Valuing diversity

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Swim Team

Embracing Differences: Swim Team offers an inspiring view on how valuing individual differences can lead to a strong and supportive group. The teens celebrate each member's unique abilities, which helps them form a cohesive, inclusive team.

Building Friendships: The film illustrates the development of deep bonds among the team members as they train and compete together. Their shared experiences help them overcome individual fears and create lasting friendships.

Believing in Yourself: The swimmers learn the power of self-belief through rigorous training and competition. Each athlete discovers their potential by pushing past self-doubt and reaching new personal milestones.

Working as a Team: The story emphasizes the importance of teamwork, as the swimmers rely on one another’s strengths to achieve their goals. Their solidarity and cooperation stand as testament to the benefits of working together.

Supporting Your Friends: As challenges arise, the team members continuously uplift and motivate each other. This support system is crucial in helping them face personal and competitive challenges.

Other Lessons Learned: Never Giving Up | Overcoming Failure | Recognizing Your Potential

Why Kids Love Swim Team

In this high-energy movie, kids get to dive into an exciting aquatic world where surprising friendships and competitions take center stage. The story plunges into the wild adventures of a group of unique swimmers who become fast friends, all while learning to navigate the choppy waters of challenges in and out of the pool. Their amusing training sessions are filled with unexpected triumphs and playful antics, making each scene a splash of fun. The coach isn't just there to bark orders — they fuel the team's quirky spirit, sparking scenes of laughter and light-hearted fun as the swimmers work to sharpen their skills. As they leap into races, the thrill of competitive swimming keeps the action lively and the waters rippling with anticipation.

The camaraderie doesn’t stop with teamwork; it's the hilarious and sometimes strange situations that the swimmers find themselves in that create memorable moments. Whether it's devising wild strategies to help teammates or the thrill of racing against the clock, there's never a dull moment. Kids love the zany and imaginative ways each swimmer tries to prove themselves, leading to high-energy races filled with unexpected twists. There's magic in how these swimmers come together, forming an unbreakable and spirited team. With near-misses and incredible saves, the excitement never fades. Kids get whisked away into a world that celebrates having a blast and discovering what it means to be part of a fun-loving, unpredictable crew.