“Rise” does a decent job of focusing on the real-life Antetokounmpo family’s journey, but at times, the emphasis on identity struggles and themes of overcoming systemic adversity may feel a bit on-the-nose. While the subject matter is true and inspiring, some viewers may interpret the repeated highlighting of social issues as overt, possibly distracting from organic, character-driven storytelling.

The film clearly values family and perseverance, which is a plus, but it also paints the cultural and immigration backdrop in a way that can feel one-sided. It doesn’t undermine traditional values outright, but the story leans heavily into the triumph-over-adversity narrative with a modern lens on social justice.

Alternative or more traditional perspectives are mostly absent. The film doesn’t caricature dissenters maliciously, but it leans comfortably into its particular worldview and doesn’t give much airtime to alternative opinions, especially on issues surrounding immigration and opportunity.