MOVIE SYNOPSIS
The Damned United
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 Clough's bitter rival Don Revie, the Leeds team had just completed its most successful period ever as a football club. It was perceived by many to represent a new aggressive and cynical style of football--an anathema to the principled yet flamboyant Clough, who had achieved astonishing success as manager of Hartlepool and Derby County. He had built these teams in his own vision with trusty lieutenant Peter Taylor. Taking the Leeds job without Taylor by his side and 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.
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"The Damn United" is a lively biopic based on the controversial professional life of Brian Clough, regarded in England as perhaps the greatest football (soccer, if you prefer) coach in the country's history. It's not always factually accurate, but it's elevated by a riveting lead turn by Michael Sheen, the British actor we've seen in "The Queen" as Tony Blair, and "Frost Nixon" as David Frost (both written, like "United," by Peter Morgan).
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A sports legend in the U.K., in Europe, and in soccer circles the world over, Brian Clough is little known in the States, but that shouldn't stop anyone from seeing The Damned United, a pitch-perfect portrait of a man full of inspiration and ambition - and full of himself.
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MPAA rating:
R
for language
Cast:
Maurice Roëves; Brian McCardie; Peter McDonald; Stephen Graham; Jim Broadbent; Michael Sheen; Henry Goodman; Colm Meaney; Timothy Spall; Joseph Dempsie
Directed by:
Tom Hooper
On the web:
Genre:
Drama Running time:
01:38
Release date:
2009
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