The Damned United

It's more than a detailed account of one man's petty vindictiveness in a bygone era. It's about how our hatred can consume us so deeply that we lose sight of everything.

The rare sports movie that deals with -- indeed positively relishes -- humiliation and disappointment.

Sheen is startlingly good here, and so is Timothy Spall as Clough's trusted and much abused lieutenant.

Hardly the heady stuff of "Frost/Nixon"--or then again, maybe exactly the same thing. This one’s more rude and fun.

Hooper, the director, doesn’t include lots of amazing football sequences to upstage his star. He just moves everyone out of Sheen’s way. It’s about time.

Director Tom Hooper ("John Adams") ably balances the games (surprisingly little football footage, actually), the personalities and the drama.

Like a skill player who just can't score, The Damned United is all dazzle and no finish and, ultimately, damned frustrating.

Not only the best football film ever, but also one of the best films of 2009. Admittedly, football fans will get a lot more out of it than non-believers, but anyone can appreciate the very well done script (though sometimes a bit off) and excellent performances. Not a big, blockbuster drama about blue men, but at least this has something to keep your attention. With a certain film also out this year that was a case of style over substance, The Damned United delivers a solid, realistic and genuinely great film.

A Fascinating Portrait of Football, Flaws, and Ego Chapter 1: More Than a Football Film The Damned United is less about football and more about the men who live and breathe it—specifically, Brian Clough, one of the most complex, controversial figures in British sporting history. It takes what could’ve been a standard biopic and turns it into a sharp, character-driven psychological drama. For fans of football history, it’s gold. For everyone else, it’s still a gripping study of obsession and ambition. Chapter 2: Sheen at the Top of His Game Michael Sheen delivers a stellar performance, balancing Clough’s confidence and charisma with just the right amount of insecurity and wounded pride. His portrayal avoids caricature and finds the humanity in a man who often tried to outtalk his own demons. His chemistry with Timothy Spall’s Peter Taylor brings warmth and complexity to the story. Their relationship is arguably the emotional center of the film—half partnership, half marriage, full of loyalty and strain. Chapter 3: Pacing, Style, and Substance The film avoids the typical linear sports narrative. It jumps between Clough’s successful Derby County run and his infamous 44-day collapse at Leeds United, using the contrast to build dramatic tension. It’s smartly structured, with snappy editing and a well-observed script (from Peter Morgan, of The Crown and Frost/Nixon fame) that favors dialogue over dramatics. Director Tom Hooper keeps things grounded and tight. The film never overstays its welcome and manages to feel intimate, even when dealing with larger-than-life personalities. Chapter 4: A Few Missed Chances If there’s a criticism, it’s that the film slightly sanitizes its subject. Clough’s more abrasive or self-destructive tendencies are softened, and real-life tensions (especially with Leeds players) are sometimes compressed for narrative convenience. For purists, this might feel like dramatic license taken a step too far. But as a film, the choices largely work. Final Thoughts The Damned United is a sharp, unconventional sports biopic that plays more like a political thriller than a traditional underdog tale. With its lean runtime, strong script, and outstanding central performance, it’s one of the most intelligent football films ever made—and maybe one of the most human. 8/10 — A tight, witty, and deeply personal drama that elevates its subject far beyond the pitch.

Overall, The Damned United is a good film. Great performances from Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall, as well as assured direction from Tom Hooper ensure that The Damned United always stays entirely riveting and fulfilling. It feels a bit short at just a little over 90 minutes, but all the same, I would not change much here. It may not be the most historically accurate film ever, but watching Clough's career unfold was incredibly dramatic and, as a soccer fan, informative as well as entertaining. The shots of soccer were done brilliantly as well, as were the interactions between the managers and players. As a whole, there is not a ton to say about this one, other than: you will enjoy this even if you are not soccer fan, but if you are a soccer fan, boy do I have the movie for you.

Personnellement je ne suis pas un adepte de ce sport, ni d'aucun sport collectif à dire vrai, ni de sport tout court : on sait les magouilles et les scandales à la fois de l'organisation et des joueurs eux-mêmes, quelle que soit la discipline d'ailleurs : un panier de crabes corrompus, des camés, des dopés et des supporters crétins. L'opium du peuple abruti en somme. Mais qu'à cela ne tienne, il s'agit surtout d'un film sur les entraîneurs, leur amitié et leurs rivalités et le début à ce qu'il semble (années 70) du sport "business" avant tout. Un peu long mais sans être trop rébarbatif, le Damned united réussit à tenir le spectateur jusqu'au générique, y compris le béotien comme moi qui n'en a rien à foot. C'est grâce à sa réalisation et à son scénario, tous deux bien construits et grâce à ses acteurs qu'il y parvient, Michael Sheen en tête. Et ma foi, c'est déjà pas mal !

I watched and thoroughly enjoyed this film - some excellent performances, great sets and a fine script - but it left a sour taste in my mouth afterwards when I found out just how much of this had just been fabricated. I mean, I understand about artistic license and all that, but altering the actual football results just to tell a better story? That's madness! There are so many irrefutable factual inaccuracies here it beggars belief. Treat it as a work of fiction and it won't disappoint. Just don't expect to learn anything.