Historical in the sports world, the film Rise tells a true story that’s amazes as much as it is compelling. Many sports films have topped screen attendance in the past, but why not treat yourself to a warm rush that will fill your heart. Not a documentary, but docudrama the film is played out with fine acting and direction. If you liked the story of the rise to fame of the tennis greats The Williams in the movie King Richard, then you should make a date to see an unforgettable escape to a new life.
The odds would be astronomical that a family under the pressure of violence in the late 1980’s Nigeria could survive with their lives, let alone raise five children to become stars on the basketball court. Let’s not get too far ahead of this true story of Veronika (Yetide Badaki) and Charles Antetokounmpo (Dayo Okeniyi) who escape the chaos and death in Nigeria and make their way to the country of Greece. However, like most all asylum seekers, it comes with the problems of citizenship, language barriers, and earning a living in a new country.
In a stroke of fate the children of the Antetokounmpo’s, Giannis (Uche Agada), Athanasios “Thanasis” (Ral Agada), Kostantinos “Kostas” (Jaden Osimuwa) and Alexandros “Alex” (Elijah Shomanke), who have now grown to teens, are about to lift the family up to a new life. Director Akin Omotoso takes on a huge challenge to make the film as realistic as possible considering the plight the Antetokounmpo family and he pulls it off with some exciting tribulation to start and then a rousing finale that may give most of the audience tears of the heartwarming kind.
Rise has been rated PG by the MPAA for thematic elements and brief language. A very good film for all ages, it should be an inspiration for teens that aspire to be great. Now playing only on Disney+. I recommend the film for all members of the family mature enough to understand the meaning of love, hope and togetherness.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Uche Agada, Ral Agada, Jaden Osimuwa, Elijah Shomanke, Elijah Shomanke, Yetide Badaki, Dayo Okeniyi
Directed by: Akin Omotoso
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sports
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for thematic elements and brief language.
Running Time: 1 hr. 53 min.
Opening Date: June 24, 2022
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Released on: Disney+ streaming
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
