October 4, 2000. Copyright, 2000, Graphic News. All rights reserved

MEN OF HONOR
By Mark Samms

LONDON, October 4, Graphic News: CARL Brashear may be one of AmericaÕs less celebrated heroes, but all that is about to change when this movie is released.
Brashear made history by becoming the first African-American Master Diver in his countryÕs navy. The fact that he did it after having a leg amputated -- and in the face of extreme racism and bureaucratic stubborness -- is testimony to the courage and perseverance of an extraordinary man.
Cuba Gooding Jr. -- who won an Oscar for his performance in Jerry Maguire -- takes the role of Brashear, but Robert de Niro is poised to steal yet another movie.
He plays Billy Sunday, a senior officer and Master Diver who initially resists all BrashearÕs efforts and then relents to help him towards a place in American military history.
Brashear himself is delighted with the way the movie has turned out, and has a special word of praise for the man who has brought his remarkable bravery to the screen.
ÒThere was talk of a film back in 1980Ó he said, Òbut God wasnÕt ready for it to happen. Cuba Gooding wasnÕt around then.Ó

AND ANOTHER THING: One of the movieÕs executive producers is comedian Bill Cosby.

STARS: Cuba Gooding Jr., Robert de Niro, Charlize Theron, Powers Boothe DIRECTOR: George Tillman Jr.

Release dates:
October 14: Canada (Toronto Film Festival)
October 19: Malaysia
November 10: United States
December 15: Denmark
January 19, 2001: Sweden
February 8: Germany
April 5: Netherlands