Rise

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1:50

Rise

PG

2022

1h 53m

Biography

Drama

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Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

22 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Audiences have never seen a story like that of the Antetokounmpos. After emigrating from Nigeria to Greece, Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo (Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki, respectively) struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation. With their oldest son still in Nigeria with relatives, the couple were desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but found themselves undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn. When they weren't selling items to tourists on the streets of Athens with the rest of the family, the brothers - Giannis (Uche Agada) and Thanasis (Ral Agada) - would play basketball with a local youth team. Latecomers to the sport, they discovered their great abilities on the basketball court and worked hard to become world class athletes, along with brother, Kostas (Jaden Osimuwa). With the help of an agent, Giannis entered the NBA Draft in 2013 in a long shot prospect that would change not only his life but the life of his entire family. And last season, Giannis and Thanasis helped bring the Milwaukee Bucks their first championship ring in 50 years, while Kostas played for the previous season champs, the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Gary Goldstein

Los Angeles Times

Rise scores as first-rate family filmmaking and a worthy reminder that some dreams can and do come true — big time.

Jun 27, 2022

Full Review

Aramide Tinubu

RogerEbert.com

Okeniyi and Badaki's performances are particularly impactful as two hardworking and proud people determined to make a better life for their five sons.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 24, 2022

Full Review

Calum Marsh

New York Times

The film’s fidelity to the letter of biographical truth occasionally puts it in the territory of sports-drama cliché. But sometimes life really does unfold the way it does in pictures.

Jun 24, 2022

Full Review

M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

Rise is family-friendly but is an underwhelming story about a family that is anything but.

Rated: 2.5/5

Jan 2, 2023

Full Review

Pedro Luis Graterol

The Young Folks

A slam dunk of a biopic.

Rated: 9/10

Jul 12, 2022

Full Review

Stephen Silver

Tilt Magazine

A fact-based, inspirational sports story that hits most of the usual beats you’ve been expecting, even if you don’t know the story. It’s predictable, but still inspiring.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 1, 2022

Full Review

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SkyRo P

"Rise" is a captivating film that is truly worth every moment of your time. This new Disney movie centered around basketball is only available on DVD and Disney+. The story follows an African American immigrant family who must evade the police in order to provide for their children and strive for a better life. It sheds light on the struggles and sacrifices they make, highlighting the importance of things we often take for granted. Based on a true story of NBA champions, the film delves into their journey of overcoming obstacles to seize opportunities. The protagonist's internal battles and eventual realization of his potential make for a powerful narrative that resonates deeply. "Rise" is a poignant and impactful film that draws you in with every scene, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by others. It's a reminder of the resilience and determination of individuals facing adversity. Available for free on Disney+, this movie is a must-watch that delivers a powerful message and a touching story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/27/24

Full Review

Maria D

Great humbling movie, excellent for a family film together. I don't like basketball but this movie was more than basketball it was about family. Great acting and very inspirational.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/07/23

Full Review

Ben M

Beautiful movie and might motivate your kids to practice just that little bit more. A story of overcoming huge adversity.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/23

Full Review

Patrick

One of the most heartwarming, and very true, Sports stories ever put on film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/23/23

Full Review

Paul B

I love a good sports movie based on a true story ... But why in the world do writers always feel the need to fictionalize key portions simply to make it more "heartwarming"? It's a great story, done fairly well, and leaves you feeling nothing but respect for the real life people who survived and thrived against overwhelming odds ... But Giannis was heavily scouted in Europe before he arrived at the NBA draft and his "family" sports agent Haris never existed. In fact, it was his coach who recommend Giannis to the largest sports agency in Europe and the two principals of that company are responsible for him getting invited to the NBA draft. Why did this have to be fictionalized? The Antetokounmpo family story is incredible and they all seem to be remarkable people, zero fiction needed.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/17/23

Full Review

Movie C

The Rise is a great Movie about the Antetokounmpo's story that is super underrated and deserves more hype as one of few Disney+ originals that are decent. If you feel like a sports drama that you haven't seen before you should watch it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

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Akin Omotoso

Director

Dayo Okeniyi

Charles Antetokounmpo

Yetide Badaki

Veronika Antetokounmpo

Uche Agada

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Manish Dayal

Actor

Taylor Nichols

Actor

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New on Disney+ in June 2022

Rise: Trailer 1

1:50

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Synopsis

Audiences have never seen a story like that of the Antetokounmpos. After emigrating from Nigeria to Greece, Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo (Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki, respectively) struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation. With their oldest son still in Nigeria with relatives, the couple were desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but found themselves undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn. When they weren't selling items to tourists on the streets of Athens with the rest of the family, the brothers - Giannis (Uche Agada) and Thanasis (Ral Agada) - would play basketball with a local youth team. Latecomers to the sport, they discovered their great abilities on the basketball court and worked hard to become world class athletes, along with brother, Kostas (Jaden Osimuwa). With the help of an agent, Giannis entered the NBA Draft in 2013 in a long shot prospect that would change not only his life but the life of his entire family. And last season, Giannis and Thanasis helped bring the Milwaukee Bucks their first championship ring in 50 years, while Kostas played for the previous season champs, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Director: Akin Omotoso
Producer: Bernie Goldmann
Screenwriter: Arash Amel, Arash Amel
Production Co: Faliro House Productions, Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: PG (Brief Language|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 24, 2022
Runtime: 1h 53m

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