Movie #162 "The Damned United" is a different movie for me ---- a soccer film. But what interested me is 1) the unbelievable Michael Sheen was doing yet another real person in film (previously Tony Blair and Frost) and 2) same writer of both those films penned this movie. Because of those aforementioned factors and more, this is a good movie. While probably not having wide appeal at first look, when one studies the character of Brian Clough, one can see a train wreck --- a good coach but doomed by his illimitable ego. When he finally gets to the BIG show, he steps into it, and we watch the wreck as it happens. It has a great ending, too, and one worth waiting for. And not too much soccer --- at least not enough to put a nonfan off. But above all, it has Sheen. If you don't know him, you gotta see Frost/Nixon, The Queen or this. You'll be blown away by this guy's talent! Rottentomatoes gave this %94. So why wasn't it nominated at the last Academy Awards? I liked it as well as "Invictus"? and they were very similar. Except for the tones --- "Invictus" was more a feel good picture.
Average rating: 3.494
I gave it 3.7 stars
The Damned United
(2008) R
Arrogant Brian Clough (Michael Sheen) helms England's soccer champs Leeds United in 1974 alongside confidant and assistant manager Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall), but he manages to bungle the deal in a mere 44 days, winding up fired. Written for the screen by Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon) and based on David Peace's critically acclaimed novel, this fictionalized account of the notorious sports legend co-stars Jim Broadbent.
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