Rise movie review & film summary (2022)
Govt produced by Giannis “Greek Freak” Thanasis, “Rise” follows the story of the NBA star and his brothers, Thanasis and Kostas Antetokounmpos. The movie chronicles the early lives of the Greek-born brothers of Nigerian descent. By means of their household’s dedication, religion, tenacity, and work ethic, they rose above their circumstances and hardships to grow to be sports activities phenoms and family names. Actual-life brothers Uche and Ral Agada painting Giannis and Thanasis, respectively.
The Antetokounmpos brothers’ story begins in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1990. Their dad and mom, Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo (Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki, respectively), make the harrowing selection to depart their homeland for Greece, leaving their firstborn toddler son behind with relations.
So usually, Disney movies clean over a few of the uglier bits that plague human society. Nevertheless, in showcasing Charles and Vera’s journey from Lagos to Istanbul and ultimately Athens, award-winning Nigerian movie director Akin Omotoso refuses to draw back from the racism, xenophobia, humiliation, and every little thing else the 2 encounter. But, he by no means dwells on these darkish facets of the narrative—this story is about household bonds and the dedication to see an almost not possible future.
As newcomers, the Agada brothers do a great job right here, and the movie spotlights issues like Giannis’ start in 1994 and a fateful second within the park when he first turned intrigued by the sport of basketball. Not like many sports activities movies, the precise sport is not the true star right here.
As a substitute, the movie’s actual star is the Antetokounmpos household unit. Their immigration standing and lack of funds are threaded all through the narrative, however they’re all the time proven in vibrant colours in opposition to a modest however heat background. Okeniyi and Badaki’s performances are notably impactful as two hardworking and proud folks decided to make a greater life for his or her 5 sons. Furthermore, with out dwelling on the injustices the household faces, Omotoso criticizes the eroding immigration methods throughout the globe and the inhumanities that folks face consequently.
