Rise

Rise

Year: 2023

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: Cédric Klapisch

Echo Score: 73
DramaComedy

Elise's perfect world falls apart when she uncovers infidelity and endures a serious injury during a performance. Seeking refuge and healing, she moves to Brittany, where she begins a journey of physical and emotional recovery. Surrounded by newfound friends and the beauty of her surroundings, she discovers unexpected love and rediscovers the joy of contemporary dance. This moving story explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the possibility of finding strength and happiness after adversity.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Rise (2023)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Rise (2023). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1990s–2010s

The narrative spans the 1990s through the 2010s, beginning with the parents' emigration in 1990 and extending through the 2000s as the children grow, and culminating with Giannis' 2013 NBA draft. It highlights periods of legal limbo, refugee life, and the long road to professional basketball. Key milestones include late 2000s youth development and the 2013 draft that changes the family's life.

Location

Nigeria, Greece, Turkey, Athens, New York City, Milwaukee

The story unfolds across Nigeria, where the family leaves their homeland, and Greece, where they seek asylum and settle under difficult legal status. They traverse Turkey during refugee rounds, before the prospects of a new life in the United States in New York City and Milwaukee as Giannis and his family pursue a basketball dream. The settings move from crowded homes and refugee shelters to gyms, arenas, and major cities, framing the journey as a long migration toward stability.

🌍 Multinational setting 🧭 Immigration struggle 🏙️ Urban landscapes

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:55

Main Characters – Rise (2023)

Meet the key characters of Rise (2023), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Charles Antetokounmpo (Father)

The family’s provider who fights against bureaucracy to secure documents and basic stability. He endures the weight of risk and pressure as he tries to keep the family together while navigating a visa system stacked with double standards.

🧭 Immigration struggle 👨‍👩‍👦 Family provider

Veronica 'Vera' Antetokounmpo (Mother)

A guiding pillar who aids the children’s development and maintains hope amid constant uncertainty. She balances practical survival with the dream of a safe, dignified life for her family.

🌍 Migration journey 💪 Family resilience

Thanasis Antetokounmpo

The elder brother who discovers basketball’s potential and supports Giannis through early training and adversity. His early promise helps unlock opportunities for the family.

🏀 Sibling support 🧭 Talent discovery

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A talent in the making who grows from a hesitant learner to a star prospect. His determination and fearlessness drive the family's journey from Greece to the NBA, shaping his future and the Antetokounmpo legacy.

🏀 Basketball dream 💫 Opportunity seeker

Takis Zivas (Coach)

The coach who spots potential in Giannis and Thanasis and nurtures their abilities. His mentorship provides a crucial bridge from local training to higher-level play.

🏟️ Mentorship 🤝 Guidance

Haris Eleftheriou (Recruiter)

An advocate who fights against systemic obstacles to help the brothers get noticed by scouts. He challenges the status quo by seeking legitimate opportunities for the family.

🕵️‍♂️ Scouting 🤝 Advocacy

Paco (Scout Manager)

A recruiter tempted by shortcuts and offers, illustrating the pressure to secure a deal at any cost. He represents the mercenary side of professional sports recruitment.

💼 Recruitment politics 💰 Bribery temptations

Kevin Stefanides (American Agent)

An ally who negotiates with teams in the U.S. and helps shepherd the family toward the NBA path, balancing business interests with the players’ dreams.

🗺️ International agency 🤝 Negotiations

John Hammond (NBA Executive)

A decision-maker who, despite initial hesitations, ultimately recognizes Giannis’s potential, enabling the family to relocate to America via the NBA draft.

🏛️ Basketball industry 📈 Draft opportunities

Nike Representative

A representative from the brand circle who glimpses the marketability of Giannis, adding a layer of commercial possibility to his ascent.

👟 Brand power 💼 Sponsorship

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:55

Major Themes – Rise (2023)

Explore the central themes of Rise (2023), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Identity

Immigration and citizenship form a core tension, with dual heritage and bureaucratic barriers shaping who the Antetokounmpo family can be. The Yoruba-origin name being hellenized echoes the pressure to assimilate. Characters navigate a sense of belonging while navigating laws that treat them as outsiders.

💪 Resilience

The family survives deportation threats, poverty, and the constant fear of separation. They improvise, adapt, and support one another through housing instability and job barriers. Every setback becomes fuel for continued pursuit of a better future.

🏀 Dreams

Basketball becomes the vehicle to stability and legitimacy, turning talent into opportunity and a pathway to America. Scouts and coaches emerge as catalysts while the family makes hard choices about where loyalty lies. The sport tests characters and ultimately leads to Giannis' big break.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:55

Unlock the Full Story of Rise

Don't stop at just watching — explore Rise in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Rise is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Rise Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Rise, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Rise Summary

Rise Timeline

Track the full timeline of Rise with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Rise Timeline

Rise Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Rise that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Rise Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Rise

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Rise: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Rise

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