In Rise, Akin Omotoso shows the world a side of Nigeria not so often portrayed in the popular, soulless, franchise Nollywood of touted mediocrity. Yet, it appears that at times, the film becomes unduly cosmetic in order fulfil a Cinderella archetype.
Rise, Akin Omotoso’s Disney-produced biopic about the Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA champion, Giannis Antetokounmpo, follows the story of the Greek-Nigerian. Relying heavily on subtext, Omotoso displays careful attention to small details, a prominent feature throughout the movie. The prologue is made up of a series of short flashbacks, reminiscent of VHS-like footage, with the hummed tune of Christy Essien-Igbokwe’s ‘Seun Rere’ as the backing track.
In Essien-Igbokwe’s ‘Seun Rere’ (the soundtrack woven into the philosophical arc of the movie), a mother urges her child to listen to her and goodness shall be his lot, after which the child responds, ‘Ìyá mi, má ṣeun réré, gbàdú rà fún mi’ (‘My mother, I shall tread the holy path, do pray for me’)...
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