The immigrant experience has always had a place in cinema. There are countless stories of famous individuals who have reached incredible success while having started from nothing. Often, these tales highlight how this person is unique and how their trajectory in life seems to have come from an innate talent or gift that exists despite their troubles. However, there are times when a film like Rise will come along and offer an unflinching reality check on how some of the world's most renowned people came to be where they are today. In the case of the remarkable Antetokounmpo brothers, the uncertainty and dangers of being undocumented immigrants in Greece fueled their rise in the NBA. Rise tells the story of not just the famed "Greek Freak," Giannis Antetokounmpo, but of the Antetokounmpo family’s resilience in the face of uncertainty and the great triumphs that came from hard work, determination, and love.
Rise follows the Antetokounmpo brothers — Giannis (Uche Agada), Thanasis (Ral Agada), Kostas (Jaden Osimuwa), who are current NBA players, Alex (Elijah Sholanke), and Francis Antetokounmpo (Anthony Abiola) — but pays equal attention to their parents, Charlie (Dayo Okeniyi) and Veronica "Vera" Antetokounmpo (Yetide Badaki). The story of how the brothers' parents dreamed of providing their family with the best life and worked hard to make it a reality is beautifully realized. Arash Amel’s script and Akin Omotoso’s directing offer an unflinching look at a depth of intolerance in Greece and the racist anti-immigrant sentiment that rests at the Antetokounmpo’s doorstep. But despite significant challenges, Vera and Charlie remain optimistic and determined to provide their boys with a good life. Their joy and love are depicted wonderfully by these actors, and it is they who anchor this story.
Omotoso’s lens captures the striking beauty of Greece and the insidious societal underbelly. Despite the clearly defined intolerance and danger in the nation, it is understandable why Greece would appear to be the haven many refugees and immigrants seek. There is an excellent balance of the good and bad that comes from being an immigrant in such a place, and it is reflected in a very candid way onscreen. There is no romanticizing of the situation, but there is fairness in the overall approach. As a child of immigrants, this writer can honestly say that the conflicting nature of the immigrant experience will never cease. There is always beauty to be appreciated and darkness that cannot be evaded. Rise is an honest depiction of these very aspects.
Rise, like many feel-good sports dramas, is a see-saw of emotions. The feeling of hope, love, joy, and triumph are powerful and impactful, especially when the Antetokounmpo’s circumstances are so candidly depicted. It doesn't take long for one to be swept up in this family story and root so hard for them — not just to succeed in life, but survive. There is a lot to like, particularly the consistent vignettes of the Antetokounmpos enjoying life and their family. The stress and fear that comes from this life can be overwhelming. But in this one life, families like the Antetokounmpos will not let these moments of respite pass them by. Rise does a great job in celebrating the humanity of not just this one family, but all immigrants as they continue to face a world that intends to strip that very thing away. In the film's third act, Charlie declares that the misspelling of the family name doesn't matter because they know, and will always know, their name. Audiences will find it difficult not to shed a tear during this scene.
As a whole, the film is well crafted. Ré Olunuga’s score hits all the right notes to complement this deeply emotional journey. The costuming, particularly on Vera and Charlie, exemplifies the family's Nigerian pride and spirit. The casting across the board is terrific, with the young actors tasked with playing the Antetokounmpo brothers bringing a great deal of heart and depth to this story. It is also nice to know that the Nigerian family are played by Nigerian actors who bring authenticity to this particular story. It is hard not to recognize the winning charm of Rise. It is a solid sports biopic that aims to celebrate the cherished memories the Antetokounmpos have and their continued success as a united, happy, and prosperous family.
Rise is streaming on Disney+ as of Friday, June 24. The film is 113 minutes long and is rated PG for thematic elements and brief language.