The Damned United

Name: The Damned United
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Released: October 9, 2009
Duration: 98 min
Rating: 81

2009

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 27 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 54 Ratings

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8.4

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8.4	User Score Universal acclaim based on 54 Ratings

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The Damned United

Movie Details & Credits

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: October 9, 2009 | R

Summary: Set in 1960’s and 1970’s 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, and on the back of their most successful period ever as a football club, LeedsSet in 1960’s and 1970’s 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, 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, who had achieved astonishing success as manager of Hartlepool and Derby County building teams in his own vision with trusty lieutenant Peter Taylor. 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. This is that story. The story of The Damned United. (Sony Pictures Classics)… Expand

Director: Tom Hooper

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Sport

Rating: R

Runtime: 98 min

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Awards & Rankings

34	#34 Best Movie of 2009

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Andrew O'Hehir

It's a classic and even charming yarn of vanity, hubris and redemption, played out against the bizarre, intense alternate universe of '70s English soccer. Read full review

100

Steven Rea

A pitch-perfect portrait of a man full of inspiration and ambition - and full of himself. Read full review

Shawn Levy

It’s a fascinating story about ambition and vanity and pride, and in Sheen’s performance and the atmosphere capture by Hooper it contains truly fine and rare things. Read full review

Elizabeth Weitzman

Ultimately it's Sheen, finding new facets of his character in every scene, who shoots and scores. Read full review

Claudia Puig

What vaults the film above the standard sports movie is the stellar performance by Michael Sheen. Read full review

Kirk Honeycutt

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

Rick Groen

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

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User Reviews

ChrisJ.

Dec 29, 2009

Just simply personal favorite movie of the year.