In a time where racism is rife, Carl Brasher (Gooding Jr.) struggles to overcome the never-ending oppression to honour his father in the only way he knows how.

Billy Sunday (De Niro) is his embittered trainer, determined to see him fail.

However, impressed with his courage during difficult times, Sunday then proves that history is made by those that break the rules when he decides to support the determined young man.

Part of the film's success lies with the way in which it tackles military racism during the '50s and '60s in such a straightforward manner.

Some scenes are inevitably heated but the technique is effective at highlighting the kind of challenge that trailblazers, like Carl, may have been faced with.

As a diver, Brashear's universe was 300 feet underwater, where he breathed a mixture of gasses, connected to the surface by a fragile hose.

The feeling of claustrophobia and the fear of drowning are effectively portrayed in numerous underwater action scenes, some of which are breathtaking in their own right.

But this isn't about thrills and explosions, it's about determination, and the director does well to let most of it take place within our own imaginations.

To Cuba Gooding Jr., playing Carl Brashear was one of the highlights of the actor's acclaimed career. "I'm more proud of this film than any I've ever made," says Gooding.

"I didn't have to get too theatrical about Carl's life to present a great story; it's compelling just as it is."

Dominic Bloch