Rise
After emigrating to Greece from Nigeria, Vera and Charles Antetokounmpo struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation. Desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn, the family's vision, determination and faith lifted them out of obscurity to launch the careers of three NBA champions.
Critics Sentiment
Film concludes with actual footage of Giannis' NBA success
Family lives under constant threat of deportation
The film transforms from showing the family's darkest deportation fears to the triumphant real footage finale, a 4.3 point swing from struggle to celebration.
Rise follows a classic inspirational arc that starts with immigrant hardships, dips into systemic struggles and deportation fears, then builds through family unity and faith toward NBA triumph. Critics consistently praised the authentic family bonds and emotional finale while noting Disney's sanitized approach softened some of the harsher realities. The film's greatest strength lies in its final act, where real footage creates genuine emotional impact that elevates the entire experience.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 24
Uche Agada
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Dayo Okeniyi
Charles Antetokounmpo
Yetide Badaki
Veronica Antetokounmpo
Ral Agada
Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Jaden Osimuwa
Kostas Antetokounmpo
Elijah Sholanke
Alexandros Antetokounmpo
Taylor Nichols
John Hammond
Panos Koronis
Takis Zivas
Manish Dayal
Kevin Stephanides
Christos Loulis
Poco
Pilar Holland
Teresa Perez
Maximiliano Hernández
OKC Thunder Rep
Phil Blevins
Peristeri B. C. Point Guard
Efthimis Chalkidis
Haris Eleftheriou
Babis Hawk Konstantinou
Turkish Policeman
Lina Patsiou
Nurse #1
Nicolas Politis
NBA Scouter
Jake Schwencke
NBA Scouter
McColm Cephas Jr.
Young Giannis
Chinua Baraka Payne
Young Thanasis
Crew
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