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The Damned United

Play trailer Poster for The Damned United R,  2009,  1h 37m,  Drama/ Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 92% 133 Reviews Tomatometer 85% 50,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
92% Tomatometer 133 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
The story of Brian Clough's 44-day stint as manager of Leeds United Football Club takes place in 1974 England. When Don Revie quits Leeds to become the England boss, the outspoken Brian Clough takes charge. Determined to impose his own style upon Revie's tough-tackling team, Clough soon alienates his players and the board. Based on the book by David Peace.
The Damned United

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Better than your average football pic, Damned United is carried by another star turn from Michael Sheen as Brian Clough.

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Critics Reviews

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Deborah Ross The Spectator Aug 29, 2018
Moves along crisply with, mercifully, very little on-pitch football and many beautifully crafted, touching moments. Go to Full Review
Ed Koch The Atlantic Jan 17, 2018
The story should have added up to an interesting and exciting movie, but it didn't for me. It was not due to Sheen's acting, but rather to a boring and confusing script. Go to Full Review
Graham Fuller Film Comment Magazine Oct 20, 2014
The Damned United eliminates the existential anguish and pain that propelled Peace's novel, and curtails its lowering style. Go to Full Review
Alistair Lawrence Common Sense Media Nov 29, 2022
3/5
While the movie sensibly focuses on a relatively short period of Clough's career to tell its story, there's no escaping the liberties it takes with what actually happened, something that is likely to make soccer fans who know their history tune out. Go to Full Review
Jason Best Movie Talk Nov 21, 2020
Even if you have next to no interest in football, The Damned United is enormously entertaining. Go to Full Review
Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) Apr 20, 2020
4/5
A superb sports film, based on the best-selling book by David Peace. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Aug 15, 2018 This film is so perfect. Makes me regret from finished watching this film
Leia R May 31, 2017 Michael Sheen is a legend
Harry W May 10, 2017 I've watched this movie over and over - it never gets old. Some parts of the story are inaccurate but make for good dramatic scenes within a larger, mostly true narrative. Michael Sheen is masterful and if you get the DVD the deleted scenes are a must watch as well! See more
George S Mar 19, 2017 I fully understand why the Clough family disliked this, but it doesn't detract from the fact it's 1st class entertainment & I suspect Mr Sheens performance is closer the mark than we realise. See more
Harry S Feb 15, 2013 A study of pride and obsession hidden in a british football history lesson.
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The Damned United

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Tom Hooper

Director

Michael Sheen

Brian Clough

Timothy Spall

Peter Taylor

Jim Broadbent

Sam Longson

Stephen Graham

Billy Bremner

Joe Dempsie

Duncan McKenzie

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The Damned United

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Movie Info

Synopsis The story of Brian Clough's 44-day stint as manager of Leeds United Football Club takes place in 1974 England. When Don Revie quits Leeds to become the England boss, the outspoken Brian Clough takes charge. Determined to impose his own style upon Revie's tough-tackling team, Clough soon alienates his players and the board. Based on the book by David Peace.
Director
Tom Hooper
Producer
Andy Harries, Grainne Marmion
Screenwriter
Peter Morgan
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Screen Yorkshire, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Left Bank Pictures, BBC Films
Rating
R (Language)
Genre
Drama, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 9, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 1, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA)
$449.6K
Runtime
1h 37m
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