Rise Story:-
Sports stars, actors, musicians – they captivate our attention and dominate our screens. Yet, their journeys remain enigmatic to those of us on the outside. We witness their fame, but seldom comprehend the depth of their struggles and sacrifices. Disney’s latest sports drama provides a glimpse into this world, particularly the remarkable story of the Antentekounmpos brothers, who ascended to NBA stardom against all odds. It follows hot on the heels of Netflix’s ‘Hustle’, featuring Adam Sandler in a refreshingly honest performance, marking a month of basketball-themed cinema.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 24 June 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Biography, Drama, Sport |
| Duration | |
| Cast | Uche Agada, Ral Agada, Jaden Osimuwa, Elijah Shomanke, Anthony Abiola, Yetide Badaki, Dayo Okeniyi, Manish Dayal, Taylor Nichols |
| Director | Akin Omotoso |
| Writer | Arash Amel |
| Cinematography | Kabelo Thathe |
| Music | Ré Olunuga |
| Producer | Bernie Goldmann |
| Production | Disney+ |
| Certificate | 16+ |
The narrative of ‘Rise’ begins in Lagos, Nigeria, where Charles and Veronica Antentekounmpos face the heart-wrenching decision to leave their son, Francis, behind in pursuit of a better life. Their journey takes them through Turkey and into Greece, where they face a new set of challenges as undocumented immigrants amidst a backdrop of rising anti-immigrant sentiment across Europe. With six mouths to feed, the Antentekounmpos family struggles to make ends meet, with eldest brothers Giannis and Thanasis turning to basketball as a means of support despite residency obstacles.
The directorial prowess of Akin Omotoso brings to life the family’s trials and triumphs with authenticity. He fearlessly confronts themes of racism, humiliation, and the struggles of immigration, grounding the story in the harsh realities faced by many immigrant families. Yet, amidst the adversity, ‘Rise’ remains a poignant exploration of the bonds that hold the Antentekounmpos family together, highlighting their resilience and unwavering determination.
While the film is not without its imperfections – some scenes depicting financial hardship may feel superficial, and training sequences could benefit from tighter editing – its heart lies in capturing the essence of familial unity. The moments of triumph on the basketball court are undeniably powerful, but it’s the quieter, intimate scenes that resonate the most. The image of the four brothers squeezed into a bed, with their parents finding solace in each other’s arms nearby, encapsulates the film’s central message: that family is the true measure of success.
Through the highs and lows of their journey, ‘Rise’ emphasizes the importance of sticking together and supporting one another. It’s a reminder that, in the face of adversity, family is often the greatest source of strength. The film transcends its sports genre, ultimately serving as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of familial bonds.
