The Damned United

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  • Opened October 9, 2009 
  • 1 hr 38 min
  • R | language

  • Set in 1960s and 1970s England, The Damned United tells the confrontational and darkly humorous story of Brian Clough’s doomed 44-day tenure as manager of the reigning champions of English football Leeds United. Previously managed by his bitter rival Don Revie, and on the back of their most successful period ever as a football club, Leeds was perceived by many to represent a new aggressive and cynical style of football - an anathema to the principled yet flamboyant Brian Clough, who had achieved astonishing success as manager of Hartlepool and Derby County building teams in his own vision with trusty lieutenant Peter Taylor. Taking the Leeds job without Taylor by his side, with a changing room full of what in his mind were still Don’s boys, would lead to an unheralded examination of Clough’s belligerence and brilliance over 44 days. This is that story. The story of The Damned United. Full synopsis

  • Cast: Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, Jim Broadbent, Henry Goodman, Maurice Roeves, Stephen Graham, Brian McCardie, Peter McDonald, Giles Anderson, Mark Bazeley
  • Director: Tom Hooper
  • Genres: Art House/Foreign, Drama

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Critic Reviews

100
San Francisco Chronicle
| Peter Hartlaub

It stands out as one of the best films of the genre, on the strength of the storytelling and wonderful performances. Read full review

100
Philadelphia Inquirer
| Steven Rea

A pitch-perfect portrait of a man full of inspiration and ambition - and full of himself. Read full review

88
Chicago Sun-Times
| Roger Ebert

Avoids all sports movie cliches, even the obligatory ending where the team comes from behind. Read full review

83
Entertainment Weekly
| Lisa Schwarzbaum

What's lost in translation is recovered easily enough in Michael Sheen's astonishing performance as Clough. Read full review

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Maurice Roeves as Jimmy Gordon, Timothy Spall as Peter Taylor and Michael Sheen as Brian Clough in "The Damned United."