Veronica and Charles are determined to make it work, but their new home is constantly under attack. They must hide their passports, food, and water as they try to survive in a hostile environment. The situation only gets worse when the police start arresting people for simply trying to cross the border. Veronica and Charles must find a way to get through this difficult time together, even if it means sacrificing some of their own rights.
The Antentekounmpos family of six is struggling to make ends meet, but their perseverance and love for the sport will see them through.
Disney has found the perfect man to helm their upcoming sports biopic, “The Greatest Showman.” Director Akin Omotoso does not shy away from presenting the past marred with racism, humiliation, and struggle with immigration issues. In fact, it comes from places and in moments that you’d expect to have actually happened in real life. Yet, he does not stay the course and change the direction of his narrative. It firmly remains focused on bringing out the familial bond that they shared and relished in. This is a risky move for Disney as there is a margin of error that the maker has but it is also their responsibility to take such films to greater heights. ..
There are inconsistencies along the way. Some of the scenes where the family’s financial struggle is depicted do feel underdone and plastic in some senses. Now one cannot change how things have gone by but that must not mean dwelling on it for more than the required time is ideal. Staple training sequences could have been shot better and cut short without disturbing the essence of the story. The sentimental value of the achievement wouldn’t have been any lesser if Omotoso would have left out parts where the family is victimized with negative connotations.
The most endearing and compelling picture of the four brothers ruling the courts and dominating opponents was the one where they were all crammed into a bed, barely covering themselves with a sheet. The parents were content on the couch and in each other’s arms, enjoying each other’s company. “If one scores, the entire family scores”, was what mattered to them most. When things looked bleak outside of court and it seemed impossible to overcome their opponents, the brothers found comfort in each other’s words of encouragement and optimism. ..
The importance of a strong family unit is clear in the story. Giannis’ mother has instilled this importance in him and it is something that he lives by. When the stakes are high, it is almost like God’s word. This is what endures in one’s memory rather than the actual hoops, attacks, and defense that win games.
This sports film is about the human spirit, and how it can overcome even the most insurmountable obstacles.
