An epic story inspired by the life of Carl Brashear, a man who battled the obstacles of racism, and intolerance , in spite his lack of education . The film starred Oscar winning actors Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Robert De Niro with a well ensembled support cast . This is the stirring story of Carl Brashear (Cuba Gooding Jr , his magnifent acting certainly does the man justice) , being a straight-forward tribute to this historical hero , the first African-American U.S. Navy Diver in line of duty who broke barriers in the diving program . Regarding his problematic existence , being shown his rise from a simple sharecropper's son to a brave military man . Embodying the strength of will never to take for an answer , and furthermore , dealing with the man (Robert De Niro as coach captain Sunday) who trained him , a racist training officer whose discrimination nearly kills him on several occassions before Carl earns Sunday's respect . Carl come across the very embodiment of perseverance and he goes on his advanced career with a big success until a fateful accident . Tough enough for any able-bodied man , but even the loss a limb on a shipboard accident doesn't deter Carl from his dedication into line to duty .
This is a solid biography and old school biopic with fine performances at a tale of fight and self-improvement ; as he battles obstacles as well as the loss of his leg to become the United States Navy's first African-American Master deep sea diver. As Carl often uses pig-determination and guts , this farmer's son signed up for the US Navy in the early 50s and worked his difficult way to improve oneself through the entrance exam to train as a tough , savage driver , becoming the first ever blackman to qualify . Wonderful acting and interesting screenplay by Scott Marshall Smith lend the proceeding its sturdy narrative fibre . A moving real story of overcoming in which the main role surmounting difficulties, as Carl understands what it means to work your way up , even when he loses his half a leg and the now-recovered Sunday helps him retrain using a prosthetic leg . This is an attractive , charming story in which an African-American getting better oneself to surpass his competitors and contenders ; and by the way he has to overcome the institutional racism . It is hardly a surprise to deal with ordinary bigotry against blackmen and this occassionally stodgy movie offers the striking reminder of the terrible conditions under which underwater divers worked . Excellent interpretation by Robert De Niro as Sunday , a rigid commander , a hard-nosed master captain Instructor under pression to fail Carl , declining his pursuit due to insubordination as well as drunkenness and along the way growing of respect between two ordinary adversaries . Sunday role results to be actually a composite drawn from various men in Carl Brasher's life . Elsewhere the secondary characterisation is less sure with the regular abandoned wife well played by Charlize Theron , Hal Holbrook's racist commander-in-chief , a too-obvious looney , Carl's faithful colleague : Michael Rappaport , his wife : Aunjanue Ellis ; besides : Holt McCallany , David Keith , Powers Boothe , Glynn Turman ,Joshua Leonard , Carl Lumbly as father , Lonette McKee as mother , among others .
It contains an adequate and evocative cinematography by Anthony B Richmond . As well as a rousing , sensitive and epic musical score by Mark Isham . This better than average motion picture produced by Bill Cosby was competently directed by George Tillman Jr . He is a good writer , producer and filmmaker . His first feature film, Scenes for the soul , it was shot entirely in Chicago, using local talent and resources. Following the momentum of this success, George began to write a script, loosely based on his own life , Soul Food . George's next directorial effort was Men of honor . Going on other successes as Faster , Roll Bounce , Inevitable defeat of Mister and Pete . In addition to directing features, George helmed the pilot Love is a four letter world for NBC, along with episodes of Starz' Power , Netflix/Marvel's Luke Cage , and NBC's dramedy This is us , among others . Rating : 7.5/10 , above average .
