Film Review: Men of Honour

SEVERAL FILMS have been made in the past that celebrate the heroic in man. ``Men of Honour'' a Fox 2000 Pictures presentation falls in that category. It is based on the true story of Carl Brashear, who became the first black Master Diver in the U.S. Navy. He also became the Master Chief, the highest rank in the Navy for enlisted men.

The journey from a Kentucky farm to the barracks of the Navy is a rough and hard one for Carl Brashear (Cuba Gooding Jr.). But as he faces each obstacle, especially at a time when racism is at its peak, Brashear comes out stronger. To throw a spanner in the works for him there is Master Chief Naval diver Billy Sunday (Robert De Niro) whose temper, racial remarks and lack of concern for his students lands him in trouble with his superiors. But he is honourable enough to help Brashear complete his diving test, defying orders from his boss and losing rank in the process.

Brashear loses a leg in a freak accident. The Navy decides to retire him. But, Carl is ever more determined to return to duty. This time, Chief Sunday is there to lend him a strong helping hand. The rest is predictable.

It is a tailor-made role for De Niro. As the bad-mouthing, almost heartless officer, De Niro looks absolutely comfortable. Cuba Gooding Jr. brings a quiet dignity and restraint to his role, and in the process joins the ranks of such actors as Sidney Poiter and Denzel Washington. Incidentally, Gooding Jr. had the real Brashear (who was a military consultant on the movie) to help him sail through the film.

Director George Tillman Jr. has made a film in the old-fashioned biopic mould, where the hero relentlessly pursues his goal and triumphs in the end. So much so, there are no shades to the hero's character. Also all the other characters, including family, are not fleshed out very well. Perhaps, with the exception of De Niro's Sunday.

``Men Of Honour'' may not be great cinema, but Brashear's story is certainly inspirational. And definitely, entertaining!

SAVITHA PADMANABHAN

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Section  : Entertainment
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