This Thanksgiving break , I was looking forward to watching the movie ‘Rise’ on Disney Plus. The movie ‘Rise’ is the life story of famous Basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as “Greek Freak”. I’m a fan of Giannis, because he’s a role model for many youths who believe in hard work and dreams . Another reason is because he plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, and Milwaukee, is the place I call home. I just finished watching this movie and it blew me away. Every great person has an inspiring story to tell. December 6th is Giannis’s birthday and in honor of his birthday, I would like to share a movie review of ‘Rise’. This movie is based on the biography of the great legendary Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo. I won’t be telling you the full story, however I will give you a glimpse.
Giannis was born to Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo in Athens Greece. He was the third oldest alongside his 5 brothers. First, let me start off with the story before Giannis was born. Charles and Veronica were a couple living in Nigeria. They had planned on moving to Greece. However, Francis, their only son, couldn’t leave Nigeria and there was a chance they would never see Francis again. They later moved to Greece with no legal status which led to multiple challenges and issues. Their family had faced several threats of deportation and went through anti-immigrant people trying to pull them down. It was difficult to find long-term employment so they had to make easy money by selling items on the streets of Athens. Although they didn’t have much money, they stayed happy because of the warmth of family around them. However, as soon as Giannis turned 13, things turned around significantly. Thanasis, Giannis’s second oldest brother, and Giannis came across a basketball league. Since they were tall, they were perfect for the team. Their coach had made a deal with his parents saying that he would give his parents better paying jobs. This wasn’t easy however. The movie about Giannis’s life tells us to believe in ourselves despite challenges and then miracles does happen. This movie has left a great impression on me. Giannis is a hero and role model for several young kids like me.His story tells everyone to follow their dreams and that anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself. This movie proves that practice makes a man perfect. I agree with Giannis that you can’t be successful just with talent. All you have to do is work hard and believe in yourself. It might take time but success will be yours if you give your best. Will Smith is a very celebrated actor. But do you think that acting and singing just came to him? No. He put faith in himself and gave his 100%.
As a resident of Milwaukee, I hope to meet Giannis one day and possibly get a ticket to the bucks game.
I highly recommend this movie to everyone if you’re a sports fan or not. Since December 6th is Giannis’s birthday. I have written this blog to pay a tribute to his legacy.
This concludes my blog.
Take care everyone!
Happy Birthday Giannis!