The working title for the film was Love, Sex, Drugs and Money but changed back to the original title. The film is a remake of the 1974 Italian film of the same name, which stars Giancarlo Giannini and Mariangela Melato. Directed by Lina Wertmuller, the original is considered a classic by critics.

It was filmed in Sardinia and Malta from October 1, 2001 until November 9, 2001 with security increased due to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Madonna had only finished her 2001 Drowned World Tour, two weeks prior to filming.

Adriano Giannini is the son of Giancarlo Giannini who plays the same role in the original 1974 film.

Amber Leighton (Madonna) is 40, beautiful, rich, spoiled, and arrogant beyond measure. Nothing makes this woman happy, including her wealthy but passive husband, Tony (Bruce Greenwood), a pharmaceutical kingpin. When Tony takes her on a private cruise from Greece to Italy, Amber is unimpressed at this impromptu no-frills vacation, and takes out her anger on the ship's first mate, Giuseppe (Adriano Giannini). When a storm leaves the two shipwrecked on a deserted island, however, the tables suddenly turn, with both parties eventually falling in love.

The film was awarded five awards at the 2002 Golden Raspberry Awards:

In addition, the film was nominated for Worst Screenplay (by Ritchie), and Giannini for Worst Actor. The film holds the distinction of being the first film to win both Worst Picture and Worst Remake or Sequel. However, in his otherwise negative review of the film, Slant Magazine critic Ed Gonzalez said: "Madonna gives her best performance since Abel Ferrara had her beaten to a pulp in his Dangerous Game." Madonna even won the Worst Supporting Actress award that same year (for her performance in Die Another Day).

The movie was a box office disaster, having a budget of $10 million but grossing around $600,000 in the United States. It was shown only on 196 screens for two weeks, dropping down to 59 in the final third week of release. In Italy, it grossed €71,575 and in Spain €105,371 from 174 screens.

The score to Swept Away was composed by Michel Colombier, and it is mostly his work that is featured on the 12-track soundtrack album. The soundtrack also contain several songs by other artists. "Come On-a My House", sung by Della Reese, is the only one featured on the album.

Songs from the film not featured on the album include "Lovely Head" by Goldfrapp, "Ain't Nobody Here but Us Chickens" by Louis Jordan, and "Fade into You" by Mazzy Star.

In the United Kingdom, the film was released straight-to-video by Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment. The DVD special features include a filmmakers' commentary with Ritchie and Matthew Vaughn, 16 deleted scenes, Movie Special (making of), theatrical trailers, and filmographies. The movie special features Ritchie being interviewed by Madonna.