History is made by those who break the rules.|Sep. 13, 2000|USA|129 Min.|R
Genre: Drama
Description: In 2000, the movie “Men of Honor” tells the inspiring story of Carl Brashear, who leaves his life as a sharecropper in Kentucky in 1948 to join the United States Navy. Assigned to the galley on the salvage ship USS Hoist, he is deeply moved by the bravery of Master Chief Petty Officer Leslie William “Billy” Sunday, a diver. Motivated to break racial barriers, Brashear sets his sights on becoming the first black American Navy diver, with ambitions to rise to the rank of master diver.
Selected for Diving and Salvage School in Bayonne, New Jersey, Brashear faces significant challenges. Despite his limited education—having left school in the seventh grade to support his family’s failing farm—he receives tutoring from his future wife, a medical student working part-time at the New York Public Library. During a salvage evaluation, Brashear demonstrates his courage by rescuing a fellow student abandoned by his dive partner. However, due to the commanding officer’s prejudice, Brashear’s heroic act is overlooked, and the student who fled is unjustly awarded a medal.
As Brashear’s career progresses, he gains national recognition for his role in the 1966 Palomares incident, recovering a missing hydrogen bomb and saving the lives of Navy crewmen. Meanwhile, Sunday’s career falters as he struggles with his temper and alcoholism, ultimately being demoted and assigned to menial tasks.
The film highlights Brashear’s determination to overcome racism and achieve greatness, while also exploring the divergent paths of Brashear and Sunday. Their journeys reflect themes of perseverance, courage, and the fight for equality.
Cast director: George Tillman, Jr.
Cast actor: Robert De Niro, Cuba Gooding Jr., Charlize Theron, Aunjanue Ellis, Hal Holbrook, Michael Rapaport, Powers Boothe, David Keith, Dulé Hill, Holt McCallany
Original name: Men of Honor