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 his bitter rival Don Revie (Colm Meaney), and on the back of their most successful period ever as a football club, Leeds was perceived by many to represent a new aggressive and cynical style of football—an anathema to the principled yet flamboyant Brian Clough (Michael Sheen, Frost/Nixon), who had achieved astonishing success as manager of Hartlepool and Derby County, where he built teams in his own vision with trusty lieutenant Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall). Taking the Leeds job without Taylor by his side, 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. 

Director:

Tom Hooper 

Cast:

Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, Jim Broadbent, Stephen Graham, Peter McDonald 

Reviews:

Los Angeles Times, Kenneth Turan

The New York Times, A.O. Scott

San Francisco Chronicle, Peter Hartlaub

Philadelphia Inquirer, Steven Rea

Washington Post, Desson Thomson

Boston Herald, James Verniere

Chicago Sun-Times, Roger Ebert