Rise is a 2022 biographical sports drama film directed by Akin Omotoso, from a script written by Arash Amel. The film is based on the true story of three young Nigerian-Greek brothers—Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas Antetokounmpo—who emigrate to the United States and rise to fame and success within the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Production and Release
The film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and released as a Disney+ original film on June 24, 2022. It was developed under the working title "Greek Freak" (a basketball nickname for Giannis Antetokounmpo). Principal photography took place in Athens, Greece, making it the first Disney production filmed entirely in Europe.
Cast
- Uche Agada as Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Ral Agada as Thanasis Antetokounmpo
- Jaden Osimuwa as Kostas Antetokounmpo
- Elijah Shomanke as Alexandros "Alex" Antetokounmpo
- Yetide Badaki as Veronica "Vera" Antetokounmpo
- Dayo Okeniyi as Charles Antetokounmpo
- Manish Dayal as Kevin Stefanides (based on agent Alex Saratsis)
- Taylor Nichols as John Hammond
Plot Summary
The film follows Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo, who emigrate from Nigeria to Greece and struggle to survive and provide for their five children while living under the daily threat of deportation. Despite being born in Greece, their children are not granted legal citizenship due to the country's jus sanguinis nationality laws. The story traces how Giannis and Thanasis begin playing basketball, are discovered by scouts, and ultimately pursue NBA careers, with Giannis being selected as the 15th pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013 NBA draft, securing his family's future.
Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, 95% of 21 critics' reviews were positive, with an average rating of 7.10/10. On Metacritic, the film received a weighted average score of 74 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews." Critics praised the direction, performances, and the film's inspirational portrayal of the Antetokounmpo family's journey.
Accolades
Composer Ré Olunuga was nominated for Best Original Score – Streamed Live Action Film (No Theatrical Release) at the 2022 Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
