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Men of Honor

Play trailer 2:25 Poster for Men of Honor R 2000 2h 9m Biography Drama War Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
42% Tomatometer 104 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Carl Brashear 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 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

Men of Honor

What to Know

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 Jan 17, 2018
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. Go to Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 26, 2010
3/5
Stirring story--may be appropriate for some teens. Go to Full Review Robert Cashill Newsweek Jun 18, 2008
2/4
This seaman's tale languishes in shallow waters. Go to Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Jan 29, 2013
C
John A. Nesbit Old School Reviews Jun 24, 2011
C
inspirational message plays well to mainstream audiences Go to Full Review Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com Jan 17, 2010
2.5/4
Brashear is all sheer determination and nothing else, displaying none of the vulnerability that would make him into a believable human being. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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K. B @RT46790109 Jun 13, 2026 This movie is fantastic! Similarly to what another audience member said, there is a difference between critic reviews and audience reviews. It embodies the patriotism that lives in past and present military. To be in a world that only wants to see you fail, but creating space for yourself and others is the American way. Most critics stated the story-telling was "lack-luster" but, the most impactful stories of history (apparently) do not resonate with all individuals as much as they do with others. See more Stéphane O @Stefffent Jan 16, 2026 Story is very standard american pride history. Still, good because of the acting. See more Real O @RT91357898 Dec 17, 2025 This is one of the greatest movies of all times. The critics should be banned from critiquing after a 42 score. Maybe they don't like the truth of the movies.🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️ Remember, always look at the people's reviews, NEVER the critcs. See more Mitchell S @Mitchstur Sep 25, 2025 It's an inspirational real-life story, and a beautiful illustration of persistence (and even redemption). See more Dvc F @RT74346346 Jun 25, 2025 Great story great acting great movie. See more Frans B @RT48565227 Mar 19, 2025 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 See more 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 Now Playing 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 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 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, War
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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