Rise Review: An Emotional & Charming Tale About The Rise Of NBA Legends

screenrant.com:

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 Risewill 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