The story ultimately revolves around two "men of honor"; their relationship, their individual and joint failures and triumphs. Carl Brashear is determined to be the first African American Navy Diver in a time where racism is rife. Leslie Sunday is his embittered trainer, determined to see him fail. Fate, challenges and circumstances eventually draw these two men together in a tale of turbulence and ultimately triumph.Written by
Filmtwob <webmaster@filmfreak.co.za>
The year after this film was released, Cuba Gooding, Jr., portrayed Doris Miller, the first African-American to be awarded the Navy Cross, in Pearl Harbor (2001). See more »
Goofs
When Carl Brashear is in his hospital bed, in 1968, Admiral French and Captain Hanks wear the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. That ribbon was established in May 1980, and made retroactive to August 1974. See more »
Quotes
[Sunday blasts Snowhill with the water-hose]
Billy Sunday:
Snowhill, get your Wisconsin ass back in the barracks.
See more »
Crazy Credits
The woman in the detox center is listed as "Pinch-Faced Woman at Detox Center" See more »
Alternate Versions
DVD includes several deleted scenes cut from the final film:
Billy lies drunk on a beach and is caught by Military Police; the film then cuts to the opening scene showing just why he is in handcuffs.
Carl finds Pappy's dog and he makes a white officer wash the poor animal in lye because carl touched it.
an alternate ending showing just what exactly happened to Billy
TIllman Jr.'s drama about the first African American Navy Master Diver (Gooding Jr.), who defies all odds and achieves his goals despite a strict embittered trainer. The screenplay is not bad, a bit extreme at times, but the direction and acting is first-rate, and this film is inspiring and achieves what its supposed to do. I liked DeNiro in the lead, although its not on par with his masterful works (taxi driver, godfather and all the others) it is as good as his other good performances such as in King of Comedy or Angel Heart. DeNiro is always convincing and believable here, very good performance, Gooding Jr. is not bad, definitely one of his better performances. --- IMDb Rating: 6.6, my rating: 9/10
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TIllman Jr.'s drama about the first African American Navy Master Diver (Gooding Jr.), who defies all odds and achieves his goals despite a strict embittered trainer. The screenplay is not bad, a bit extreme at times, but the direction and acting is first-rate, and this film is inspiring and achieves what its supposed to do. I liked DeNiro in the lead, although its not on par with his masterful works (taxi driver, godfather and all the others) it is as good as his other good performances such as in King of Comedy or Angel Heart. DeNiro is always convincing and believable here, very good performance, Gooding Jr. is not bad, definitely one of his better performances. --- IMDb Rating: 6.6, my rating: 9/10