The Damned United Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A football manager with a massive ego takes a job he probably shouldn’t because he hates the previous guy, then realizes he needs his best friend more than proving a point.

🍿 The Damned United: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Ambition and Derby County

The film chronicles Brian Clough’s early managerial career, primarily focusing on his time with Derby County. Clough, alongside his assistant Peter Taylor, transforms Derby from a struggling second-division team into a league champion. His outspoken nature and unconventional methods attract both admiration and controversy. Clough’s ambition is fueled by a desire to prove himself, particularly in comparison to Don Revie, the successful manager of Leeds United. He sees Revie as a rival and aims to surpass his achievements in the world of English football.

The Ill-Fated Leeds United Appointment

In 1974, Clough takes over as manager of Leeds United, a team he has publicly criticized for their aggressive style of play under Don Revie, who has left to manage the England national team. Without Peter Taylor by his side, Clough struggles to gain the respect of the Leeds players, who remain loyal to Revie and resistant to Clough’s methods. Clough’s abrasive approach and inability to adapt to the existing team dynamics lead to a disastrous 44-day tenure. He alienates key players, clashes with the club’s board, and ultimately fails to implement his vision for the team.

Clough’s Downfall and Redemption

The film explores the personal and professional consequences of Clough’s failure at Leeds. His relationship with Peter Taylor deteriorates due to Clough’s decision to take the Leeds job without him. Clough is left to reflect on his mistakes and confront his own ego and insecurities. Despite the setback, Clough eventually reunites with Taylor and finds success managing Nottingham Forest, where he achieves even greater triumphs, including winning the European Cup twice. This redemption arc highlights Clough’s resilience and ability to learn from his failures.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Brian Clough (Michael Sheen): The charismatic but arrogant football manager whose ambition drives him to take on the challenge of managing Leeds United despite his disdain for their past.
• Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall): Brian Clough’s loyal and insightful assistant manager whose pragmatic approach provides a necessary counterbalance to Clough’s impulsiveness.
• Don Revie (Colm Meaney): The highly successful former manager of Leeds United whose legacy looms large and becomes an obsession for Brian Clough.
• Sam Longson (Jim Broadbent): The chairman of Derby County who struggles to manage Brian Clough’s extravagant spending and ego, leading to conflicts.
• Billy Bremner (Stephen Graham): The captain of Leeds United, representing the team’s hardened and previously successful style of play, clashes with Clough’s new approach.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Brian Clough: “Well, I might as well tell you now. You lot may all be internationals and have won all the domestic honours there are to win under Don Revie. But as far as I’m concerned, the first thing you can do for me is to chuck all your medals and all your caps and all your pots and all your pans into the biggest fucking dustbin you can find, because you’ve never won any of them fairly. You’ve done it all by bloody cheating.” – Clough’s opening speech to the Leeds United players, setting the tone for his controversial tenure.
• Brian Clough: “I wouldn’t say I’m the best manager in the country. But I’m in the top one.” – A classic Clough quote, showcasing his confidence and wit.
• Brian Clough: “If God had wanted us to play football in the clouds, he’d have put grass up there.” – Reflects Clough’s pragmatic view on the game

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $449,865
• Worldwide Gross: $4,091,378

💥 The Damned United Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘The Damned United’! Michael Sheen embodies Brian Clough perfectly, and it felt like I was watching the real deal. The way the movie showed the dynamic between Clough and Peter Taylor was so heartwarming and heartbreaking. Seeing the scenes where their friendship crumbles and then rebuilds hit me right in the feels! If you’re a football fan or just enjoy a good character-driven story, this one is a must-watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of sports dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in British football history”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Admirers of Michael Sheen’s acting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief scenes of sports violence”
  • “Mature themes (ego, ambition, failure)”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Sheen delivers a compelling performance, capturing Clough’s charisma and arrogance. The film smartly focuses on character dynamics rather than on-pitch action, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with football.
• The Guardian: “While the film takes liberties with historical accuracy, it provides an entertaining portrayal of Brian Clough’s turbulent career. Sheen shines, but the film’s pacing feels uneven at times, jumping between timelines.

Audience Reactions

Michael Sheen’s performance as Brian Clough is outstanding and convincing.: Viewers praise the film for being engaging even for those who aren’t football fans.

The dynamic and chemistry between Clough and Taylor made the film so good.: Many viewers found the story to be emotional and impactful.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted, entertaining biographical drama that captures the essence of Brian Clough, even if it takes some liberties with historical accuracy.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Clough family criticized the film, stating it was not an accurate portrayal of events, particularly Brian Clough’s alleged growing dependence on alcohol and his relationships with the Leeds squad.”
• “The film primarily focuses on Brian Clough’s time at Leeds United and Derby County, but briefly mentions his successes with Nottingham Forest in an epilogue.”
• “The movie uses real-life TV inserts from the era itself. However, there are numerous anachronisms and inaccuracies, such as Dave Mackay leaving Derby before Clough and Taylor’s resignation.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Damned United?

You can watch “The Damned United” on various streaming platforms and through purchase options. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and others for availability to rent or buy. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Damned United, you might like these similar films:

• Moneyball (2011): Both films explore how unconventional strategies and personalities challenge established norms in sports management.
• Senna (2010): A documentary that, like ‘The Damned United’, focuses on the intense rivalry and ambition of a sporting icon.
• Rush (2013): Depicts the fierce rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda, mirroring Clough’s obsession with Don Revie.

🛒 The Damned United Related Products

• The Damned Utd: The Book Behind the Film: David Peace’s original novel is a raw and unflinching look into Brian Clough’s psyche. Offers a much darker, more complex view of the events portrayed in the film.
• Nottingham Forest European Cup Winners – Signed Shirt: A retro Nottingham Forest shirt signed by members of the European Cup-winning squad of ’79 & ’80 including rare Brian Clough Autograph. Includes proof of signing.
• Vintage Football Memorabilia Mystery Box: A surprise box filled with vintage football programs, cards, and other memorabilia from the 1970s era. Each box contains unique items related to British football.
• Football Manager 2024: Take control of your favorite club and guide them to glory in this immersive football management simulation. Experience the challenges and triumphs of a football manager.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Damned United features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Leeds, Leeds, Leeds (Marching On Together)” – performed by Leeds United A.F.C. and Supporters
• “Man of the World” – performed by Fleetwood Mac
• “Queen Bitch” – performed by David Bowie

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Story of Don Revie & “Dirty Leeds”

Ever wondered what all the fuss was about with Don Revie and ‘Dirty Leeds’ in *The Damned United*? This video breaks down their story – trust me, understanding their background makes the movie so much more interesting!

Brian Clough’s First Interview As Leeds United Manager | The Damned United | CineStream

Want to see the spark that ignited the conflict in *The Damned United*? Check out this clip of Brian Clough’s first interview as Leeds manager – it’s a masterclass in awkwardness and sets the stage perfectly!

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