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Men of Honor

Play trailer 2:25 Poster for Men of Honor R Released Nov 10, 2000 2h 9m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
42% Tomatometer 104 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Carl Brashear (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is an ambitious sharecropper who joins the U.S. Navy to become the world's first black master diver. But as he works through diving training, the bitter and racist Master Chief Billy Sunday (Robert De Niro) sets out to make Carl's journey as difficult as possible. Despite the entire Navy doubting his potential and sabotaging his training, the determined Carl proves that he can overcome the discrimination around him.
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Men of Honor

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Critics Consensus

De Niro and Goodings Jr. manage to turn in performances that make this by-the-numbers inspirational movie watchable.

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Critics Reviews

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Bob Thomas Associated Press Gooding is the ideal actor to portray Brashear. Not only does Gooding perform the physical demands of the role, he also meets all the emotional challenges. It is an unforgettable performance. Jan 17, 2018 Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Stirring story--may be appropriate for some teens. Rated: 3/5 Dec 26, 2010 Full Review Robert Cashill Newsweek This seaman's tale languishes in shallow waters. Rated: 2/4 Jun 18, 2008 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: C Jan 29, 2013 Full Review John A. Nesbit Old School Reviews inspirational message plays well to mainstream audiences Rated: C Jun 24, 2011 Full Review Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com Brashear is all sheer determination and nothing else, displaying none of the vulnerability that would make him into a believable human being. Rated: 2.5/4 Jan 17, 2010 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mitchell S It's an inspirational real-life story, and a beautiful illustration of persistence (and even redemption). Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/25/25 Full Review Dvc F Great story great acting great movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/25/25 Full Review Frans B Notwithstanding factual issues, it provides insight into a niche world where nothing works the way you would predict. Gooding jr and De Niro excels in character. Convincingly executed and presented Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/19/25 Full Review Kyle M Dramatized extents would pile up to the point of questioned accuracy, from sequential choices per filmic artistic license to infrequent depth that effectively provokes, especially with this setting it shows dishonorable hypocrisy through the military veins. According to the plot dynamics, the film was formulaically scripted around that to inspire with a generic message regarding pushing social boundaries refined by one’s underestimated possibilities, thus personally structuring a powerful story. Oft times provocative then transfixed with cheerfulness, this subject-driven film beneficially relies on Cuba Gooding Jr.’s peaked performative inspiration representing aspirational motivated hopes and Robert De Niro’s soulful turns with strong buildup for ultimate deliverance at the end shows militaria strains. (B+) Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/28/24 Full Review Sean S The two leads do an incredible job to make this morning entertaining, but the story is somewhat flat and given the true history behind this movie makes me wish they stayed truer to it. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/07/24 Full Review Steve D Formulaic and perhaps playing too much with reality but it works. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Men of Honor

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Cast & Crew

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George Tillman Jr.

Director

Robert De Niro

Billy Sunday

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Carl Brashear

Charlize Theron

Gwen

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Jo

Hal Holbrook

Mr. Pappy

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Men of Honor

Men of Honor: Trailer 1 Men of Honor: Trailer 1 2:25 View more videos
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Men of Honor

Carl Brashear (CUBA GOODING, JR.) meets his dive school instructor's troubled wife, Gwen (CHARLIZE THERON). (L-R) CUBA GOODING, JR., ROBERT DENIRO and Director GEORGE TILLMAN, JR. prepare for a scene on the set. Billy Sunday (ROBERT DENIRO, right) and Carl Brashear (CUBA GOODING, JR.). Carl Brashear (CUBA GOODING, JR.) stands up to a challenge from Billy Sunday (ROBERT DENIRO), a Master Chief who is certain that the rigorous dive program is no place for Carl. Billy Sunday (ROBERT DENIRO, left) and Carl Brashear (CUBA GOODING, JR.) prepare for a military hearing that will determine Carl's future in the Navy. Billy Sunday (ROBERT DENIRO, left) helps Carl Brashear (CUBA GOODING, JR.) -who has just recovered from a crippling injury - prove that Brashear is still fit for duty. CUBA GOODING, JR. (right) poses with Carl Brashear, whose inspirational life story is the basis of MEN OF HONOR. CUBA GOODING, JR. stars as Carl Brashear, a real-life hero whose inspirational story is the basis of MEN OF HONOR. ROBERT DENIRO stars as Billy Sunday, a celebrated Master Chief Navy Diver who opposes Carl Brashear's efforts to become a Navy Diver, but ultimately helps Brashear make military history. Men of Honor (2000) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Carl Brashear (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is an ambitious sharecropper who joins the U.S. Navy to become the world's first black master diver. But as he works through diving training, the bitter and racist Master Chief Billy Sunday (Robert De Niro) sets out to make Carl's journey as difficult as possible. Despite the entire Navy doubting his potential and sabotaging his training, the determined Carl proves that he can overcome the discrimination around him.
Director
George Tillman Jr.
Producer
Bill Badalato, Robert Teitel
Screenwriter
Scott Marshall Smith
Distributor
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, 20th Century Fox
Production Co
Fox 2000 Pictures, State Street Pictures
Rating
R (Language)
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 10, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$48.8M
Runtime
2h 9m
Sound Mix
Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Surround
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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