Rise

Rise

Year: 2022

Language: English

Echo Score: 84
BiographyDramaSport

Following their family’s struggles as impoverished immigrants in Athens, Greece, brothers Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas Antetokounmpo find hope and a path forward through basketball. Their talent and dedication quickly emerge as they navigate the challenges of their circumstances and dream of a brighter future, ultimately striving to reach the highest levels of the sport and become NBA champions.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Rise (2022)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Rise (2022). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1990-2013

The narrative spans over two decades, starting in 1990 when Charles and Veronika flee Nigeria, through the mid-2000s when the family stabilizes in Greece, and culminating in the 2013 NBA draft when Giannis secures a U.S. relocation for his family. It traces shifting political climates, citizenship hurdles, and the gradual rise of Giannis and his brothers from park workouts to professional scouts.

Location

Nigeria, Greece, New York City

The story unfolds across three real-world settings: Nigeria where the family begins, Greece where they seek refuge and integration, and New York City where the family hopes to secure a future in basketball. The urban Greek backdrop is the site of perseverance and bureaucratic obstacles, while New York becomes the hinge of opportunity as Giannis eyes the NBA. The film emphasizes migrant resilience amid visa constraints, statelessness, and the constant pressure to stay together as a unit.

🌍 Immigration 👪 Family 🗺️ Migration 🧭 Identity

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:44

Main Characters – Rise (2022)

Meet the key characters of Rise (2022), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A determined young talent who overcomes learning hurdles and immigration uncertainty to become an NBA prospect. He grows through disciplined training, seizing opportunities created by scouts and mentors, and remains driven by his family's aspirations.

🏀 Prodigy 🧠 Learner 🌍 Immigrant 💪 Resilient

Charles Antetokounmpo

Father and breadwinner fighting bureaucratic barriers to secure documents and work for his family. He carries the weight of double standards, facing roadblocks with stubborn determination and a protective, sacrificing nature.

👨‍👦 Family man 🧭 Struggle 💼 Work 🕊️ Hope

Veronika Antetokounmpo

Mother and emotional anchor who keeps the family together through danger and displacement. She fosters resilience and unity, balancing hope with the harsh realities of migration.

🌸 Mother 🛡️ Protector 💫 Hope 🗺️ Journey

Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Brother who grows into a star athlete and supports Giannis with loyalty and competitive spirit. He embodies familial solidarity and the drive to succeed despite obstacles.

🤝 Brother 🏅 Competitor 🧭 Guide 👬 Support

Kevin Stephanides

American agent who spots potential in the brothers and helps navigate recruitment, helping to connect them with teams and opportunities.

🤝 Agent 🧭 Connector 💼 Professional 🗽 Opportunity

John Hammond

Milwaukee Bucks executive who recognizes Giannis's potential, serving as a bridge between the player and professional basketball.

🏀 Executive 👔 Scout 🌟 Potential 🗺️ Opportunity

Young Giannis

Giannis as a child showing glimmers of talent, learning the basics of basketball and dreaming bigger as coaches and mentors guide him.

🧒 Youth 🏀 Aspiration 🧭 Growth 🧠 Learning

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:44

Major Themes – Rise (2022)

Explore the central themes of Rise (2022), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Immigration

A central thread follows a family navigating visa limitations, stateless status, and the stubborn will to build a new life. The Antetokounmpo parents endure uncertainty while instilling resilience in their children. The story shows how borders, paperwork, and prejudice shape dreams and pressure family bonds. Yet perseverance and adaptive strategies gradually open pathways to opportunity.

👪 Family

The film traces the sacrifices a family makes to stay together against legal and financial strain. Across years of displacement, siblings support one another and share the burden of ambition. The parents’ leadership and the brothers’ camaraderie drive the pursuit of education, sports, and stability. Family becomes both shield and engine for their ascent.

🏀 Dream & Talent

Giannis and Thanasis’s basketball journey moves from park pickup games to formal training and discovery by scouts. Talent meets opportunity as coaches, agents, and recruiters evaluate potential, testing the family’s patience and resolve. The narrative culminates in a pivotal NBA draft that reframes their future and validates years of hard work.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:44

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 Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Rise? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Rise Ending Explained

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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