Movies
Biography, Drama, Sports
Release Date: March 27, 2009

Director: Tom Hooper

Main Cast:

• Michael Sheen as Brian Clough
• Timothy Spall as Peter Taylor
• Colm Meaney as Don Revie
• Jim Broadbent as Sam Longson
• Stephen Graham as Billy Bremner

Plot Summary

The Damned United chronicles the tumultuous 44-day tenure of Brian Clough as the manager of Leeds United, one of England’s most successful football clubs of the 1970s. Known for his outspoken personality and brash confidence, Clough steps into the shoes of Don Revie, a revered figure at Leeds, bringing with him a philosophy at odds with the team’s established style of play.

The film dives into Clough’s fiery personality, his strained relationships with the Leeds players, and his complicated partnership with long-time assistant Peter Taylor. Through flashbacks, we see Clough’s rise to fame with Derby County, his rivalry with Revie, and the personal and professional decisions that ultimately lead to his brief, yet unforgettable, time at Leeds United.

A compelling mix of drama and sport, The Damned United is as much a study of Clough’s complex character as it is a reflection on the pressures of managing a top-tier football club.

Trailer Highlights

• Michael Sheen’s captivating portrayal of Brian Clough, blending arrogance with vulnerability.
• Electrifying locker room confrontations that highlight the tension between Clough and the Leeds United squad.
• Flashback sequences showing Clough’s achievements with Derby County, juxtaposed with his struggles at Leeds.
• Authentic 1970s football match recreations, complete with period-accurate kits and gritty gameplay.
• Emotional moments showcasing the rift and eventual reconciliation between Clough and Taylor.

Reception

The Damned United received critical acclaim for its sharp screenplay, based on David Peace’s novel, and Michael Sheen’s masterful performance. Football fans and general audiences alike appreciated the film’s insight into the behind-the-scenes drama of English football during its golden era. The movie was praised for balancing its sports narrative with an in-depth character study of one of the game’s most iconic and controversial figures.

Why You Should Watch It
Whether you’re a football enthusiast or a fan of compelling drama, The Damned United offers an absorbing look at ambition, rivalry, and redemption. Its gripping portrayal of Brian Clough’s short-lived tenure at Leeds United is both a cautionary tale and a celebration of a larger-than-life personality who left an indelible mark on the sport.