Men of Honor

Rating:
Summary: Compelling Story Of A True Hero
Review: A dramatization of the life of Carl Brashear, the first African-American diver in the history of the U.S. Navy, "Men Of Honor," directed by George Tillman, Jr., is an uncompromising examination of personal courage, integrity and honor. Cuba Gooding, Jr. portrays Brashear, a man of unabashed determination who simply would not be deterred from achieving his goal, even in the face of apparently insurmountable obstacles, the most prevalent of which was blatant racial discrimination. As brutal and incomprehensible as it seems, there were those, including at least one high-ranking officer, who would rather have seen him die than pass diving school. That he stayed with it, passed and went on, not only to an illustrious career with the Navy, but one in which his achievements were nothing less than remarkable, is a demonstration of heroics tantamount to those for which medals are awarded. It's men like Brashear that should make veterans everywhere proud of their heritage as members of the Armed Forces. Such a story is, of course, a natural for the movies; and, if done properly, has the makings of a great one. And this one is. Tillman tells the story of Brashear, the son of a Kentucky share cropper, in a decidedly straightforward manner, without pulling any punches as he illustrates the inane bigotry faced by the young seaman. The heroics of the man speak for themselves, and Tillman wisely avoids any attempts at superfluous dramatic embellishments, the siren's song to which a lesser director may have succumbed, and which could so quickly have derailed this project. Tillman's work more than passes muster, and his attention to detail, along with impeccable pace and timing, are a major factor in the success of this film. It should land him an Oscar nomination. Another factor is the incredible talent with which Tillman had to work. Gooding embodies the qualities that made Brashear a hero, and it is through his outstandingly credible performance that we get to know this man. There's a subtle pride in his demeanor, a personification of his determination, that brings him so vividly to life on the screen; it's an Oscar worthy piece of work that should be acknowledged by the Academy. And Gooding had, not only a terrific role, but the best co-star with which an actor could hope to work. Robert De Niro stars as Master Diver Billy Sunday, the adversary turned ally who ultimately helped Brashear realize his goals. On the surface, Sunday is tough and pridefully simplistic; but underneath lies a complex individual that De Niro mines to full advantage. Any time De Niro appears in a film, expectations are high, as well they should be; he is an actor of immeasurable talents. And here, with his portrayal of Sunday, he scores another triumph. It's a brilliant performance, for which he must be recognized with an Oscar nomination. The outstanding supporting cast includes Charlize Theron (Gwen), Aunjanue Ellis (Jo), Hal Holbrook (Mr. Pappy), Michael Rapaport (Snowhill), Powers Boothe (Capt. Pullman), David Keith (Capt. Hartigan), Holt McCallany (Rourke), Joshua Leonard (Isert), Carl Lumbly (Mac, Carl's Father) and Lonette McKee (Ella, Carl's Mother). "Men Of Honor" is a superb, memorable film that recognizes the kind of heroics that go largely unsung and too often unheralded. That Tillman and this fine assemblage of actors have been able to illuminate the life of a man like Carl Brashear so fervently is a tribute to them as well as the Motion Picture Industry. But more than that, it is a well deserved tribute to a true hero, Carl Brashear. This is a movie that must not be missed.

Rating:
Summary: A True Story
Review: A true account of Carl Besher, the first African American to be a naval diver and rise to the highest rank of Naval Cheif in the United States Navy. Exceptional performances by Robert DeNiro and Cuba Gooding Jr.Bill Cosby excutive produced this movie, and a great movie it is.

Rating:
Summary: Men of honor inspires you.
Review: Men of Honor inspires me to work harder, and to never give up, no matter what the circumstances are. In my opinion, this movie should win an Oscar.

Rating:
Summary: Great acting and very satisfying true story
Review: Gooding and De Niro both gave outstanding performances in this true story of one determined man's fight to become the first African-American Navy diver. De Niro plays "Billy Sunday," an unsavory, basically unlikeable character whose racism only serves to strengthen the resolve of Carl Brashear (Gooding). As time goes by, even De Niro grows to admire Brasheir's character and strength of will. Brashear faces innumerable obstacles. De Niro eventually becomes his champion, assisting his efforts. It is a great true story. The terrible racism of the past is still a disgrace to our society, and we all know that for every successful "Brashear" there were countless worthy but not so fortunate black aspirants in the service who were kept down because of their race. It's a happy story with a positive message...I hope many, many young people will see it.

Rating:
Summary: Over the top romanticism
Review: How many crescendos of emotion can one tolerate? Try this movie. It tries way to hard to pull on heart strings, and does little to really illuminate the subject. Hollywood fluff.

Rating:
Summary: A brave film !
Review: Based on a true story , the film is a real challenge whose principal message is to face the life with all its obstacles, prejuices , evilness , injustice and cruelty . You have to fight and trust in yourself no matter what .
Cuba Gooding Jr has played the most prominent role to date in his raising career as Carl Brashear.
He will have to face the painful racism subject since he enlists to the Navy . And the search of the honor will be the real motive for his continous improvement .
Robert de Niro looks a bit overacted and his facial expression reminds too much to Al Capone in the Untouchables .
High raising situations and good special effects through the film and since the movie lacks of dramatic punch and gives too many concesions to the great audience , retains however the interest .
Watchable work.

Rating:
Summary: Only good things to say about this movie *****
Review: *****
This movie is the quintessential 5-star movie. I read the reviews below and the editorials above and was surprised to find criticism; I disagree with all of it and can simply find nothing negative to say about "Men of Honor".

I tried to remember the profanity that is mentioned in several reviews; I'm not sure if I have a different version, but I don't remember any profanity! I'm sure there must have been some, but apparently it was so inobtrusive and fit in with the story so well that it passed me by.

The movie is the true story of Carl Brashear, the first African American to become a Master Diver in the Navy. It shows the terrible prejudice of the time (the 1950's and 1960's) in the military and the rest of our society. Carl Brashear was single-minded, totally focused, and struggled to achieve his goals, overcoming almost unbelievable adversity.

I found the movie entertaining and inspiring. I too was left wanting to know more about Carl Brashear and the military at this time. Fortunately, my Special Edition of the movie included special features that included director's comments, a film introducing you to the real Carl Brashear, deleted scenes, and information about how the movie was made, etc. If you are the type of person that enjoys these things, I would highly recommend this version.

The acting was as good as I've seen, with Cuba Gooding Jr. playing Carl Brashear---they identical in real life (when you see the actual pictures of Carl Brashear at that age on the special features). Robert DeNiro was outstanding, as was Hal Holbrook and the many other actors, including Charlie Therzon. I disagree with one reviewer who said her character was "extraneous"; her part was perfect and she played it perfectly, adding entertainment value and beauty to the movie. Besides, the movie is not about her character, but about Carl Brashear, so although she is a movie star it would be inappropriate in this true story to give her a central role.

The whole movie is quality, and gives you a quality experience watching it. It is very entertaining. It is filled with postive values, from Carl's family of origin, to his own family (for example, he waited until he was married to sleep with his wife..oh my!), to his handling of everything he did in an honorable way. We don't have a lot in our society today that reflects honor. In addition, it leaves you with encouragement for your own life and the relatively small obstacles most of us have to fact compared to what someone like Carl Brashear faced.

This story needed to be told, and it was told well.

*****

Rating:
Summary: Incredible!
Review: this is an outstading movie that did NOT get the credit it deserved! the acting/directing is unbelievable and is really a quality movie! i haven't talked to one person (ages ranging from 14-82) who has NOT liked it! it IS definately worth your time and worth purchasing! you will enjoy this film!

Rating:
Summary: Great acting and very satisfying true story
Review: Gooding and De Niro both gave outstanding performances in this true story of one determined man's fight to become the first African-American Navy diver. De Niro plays "Billy Sunday," an unsavory, basically unlikeable character whose racism only serves to strengthen the resolve of Carl Brashear (Gooding). As time goes by, even De Niro grows to admire Brasheir's character and strength of will. Brashear faces innumerable obstacles. De Niro eventually becomes his champion, assisting his efforts. It is a great true story. The terrible racism of the past is still a disgrace to our society, and we all know that for every successful "Brashear" there were countless worthy but not so fortunate black aspirants in the service who were kept down because of their race. It's a happy story with a positive message...I hope many, many young people will see it.