By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Don't dismiss, the new Disney+ plus movie
"Rise" as merely another sappy sports drama. If you do, you'll miss out on a remarkable and inspirational story of
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Nigerian who defied the odds and rose to become a championship
NBA player for the Milwaukee Bucks.
That's just one aspect of this fascinating film from director Akin Omotoso ("Queen of Katwe"). In addition to Giannis, his brothers continue to make their mark in the NBA as well. Thanasis also plays for the Bucks and Kostas--who is portrayed in the movie by Jaden Osimuwa--was on the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers Championship team. Alex is the youngest and is in the NBA's G League. The oldest brother Francis plays semi-professional basketball.
Life was never easy for the family. Their father Charles, (an excellent Dayo Okeniyi "Emperor") and mother Veronica (also excellent, Yetide Badaki, TV's "This is Us" and "American Gods") provided a nurturing environment for their boys. Like most parents, they sacrificed a lot to make a better way for them. The movie shows how they fled from Nigeria to Greece and were always looking over their shoulder as Turkish immigration officials and border agents sought to arrest them and have them deported back to Nigeria.
While Greece, was slightly welcoming, Charles, Veronica and the kids couldn't always escape from having to jump through unnecessary hoops to become citizens. Still, they did whatever was necessary to make ends meet like selling trinkets to tourists in Athens. Giannis and Thanasis, who are played convincingly by first time actors and real-life brothers Uche and Ral Agada, knew how to be persuasive. That, coupled with their charming personalities brought in a nice chunk of change.
That was only the beginning. Things start looking even better when Giannis and Thanasis convince their father that playing basketball with a local youth team, would be fun and perhaps even be their ticket to bigger and better things. Truer words have never been spoken.
Yet, Giannis and Thanasis didn't know much about the game, but they sure were quick learners. At least Thanasis was. He initially was a better ball handler than Giannis and soon was dominating the team games. Over time, they both caught the eyes of NBA scouts and an agent (Manish Dayal, TV's "The Resident") who knew greatness when they saw it.
In 2013, Giannis entered the NBA draft and was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks. Thanasis played for the New York Knicks and later teamed with Giannis in Milwaukee and together they won the NBA title in 2021.
What I liked most about "Rise" is that the movie, which Giannis co-executive produced, highlights the family in a positive manner. While they certainly had their differences and disagreements, the brothers aren't jealous of each other as they are making their way to the top. They appreciate their success and learn from their setbacks and defeats. It goes back to their father impressing upon them at an early age about the importance of family and lifting up each other. He told them that "When one person scores, the whole team scores."
With "Rise," Disney has scored again with another winning sports drama that is worthy of celebration.
"Rise" debuts on Disney+ on June 24.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 6:20 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"RISE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.