Clubbed Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bullied factory worker decides the best way to handle his problems isn’t therapy, but becoming a bouncer in the 80s and immediately getting involved with local gangsters.

🍿 Clubbed: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Finding Strength: A Factory Worker’s Transformation

Danny, a lonely and timid factory worker, is at a low point in his life following a messy divorce. His struggle with fear and self-worth is amplified when he is brutally attacked in front of his two young daughters. This humiliating experience pushes him towards a breaking point.

Entering a New World: The Nightclub Doormen

Driven by a desire to overcome his fear and protect his children, Danny seeks out a local boxing gym. There, he meets a group of experienced nightclub doormen, led by the philosophical and imposing Louis. They take Danny under their wing, teaching him self-defense and offering him camaraderie, fundamentally changing his perspective and lifestyle.

Dangerous Entanglements: Gangland Conflict

As Danny becomes integrated into the doormen’s world, he learns about the challenges and dangers they face, including pressure from local crime boss Billy Hennessy. Conflicts arise as one of the doormen, Sparky, gets involved in drug dealing, drawing the group into a dangerous confrontation with Hennessy’s gang. Danny finds himself caught in the escalating violence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Danny (Mel Raido): A lonely factory worker seeking self-improvement who is drawn into the violent world of nightclub security.
• George (Colin Salmon): The experienced and formidable leader of the doormen who takes Danny under his wing.
• Spider (Shaun Parkes): Danny’s loyal but hot-headed friend and fellow doorman navigating the dangerous nightlife scene.
• Louis (Al McCarthy): A challenging figure within the doorman crew or related underworld who tests Danny and his colleagues.
• Lenny (Billy Murray): A significant and potentially dangerous figure linked to the nightclub’s underworld element.
• Angela (Maxine Peake): A key individual in Danny’s life who represents his world outside the violent environment of the clubs.
• Mark (Scot Williams): Another member of the doorman team who shares in the camaraderie and conflict of their profession.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Louis: “Make a bit of noise and the whole army can be robbed of its spirit. Sun Tzu.” – Louis quotes Sun Tzu, a source of his philosophical approach to conflict, explaining a strategy or mindset to the other doormen.
• Sparky: “Who the fuck is Sun Tzu?” – Sparky reacts with confusion and profanity to Louis’s intellectual reference, highlighting his more pragmatic and less philosophical nature.
• Louis: “Fucking Zorro.” – Louis gives a sarcastic, dismissive answer when questioned by CID about the identity of a masked figure involved in an incident.
• Danny: “I just didn’t want them to see me like that again.” – Danny reflects on the humiliation of being attacked in front of his children, explaining his motivation to learn to fight and stand up for himself.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: 
• Worldwide Gross: $102,715

💥 Clubbed Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, I wasn’t sure what to expect from ‘Clubbed’, but it really got under my skin. Seeing Danny’s journey from being completely broken to finding his feet was genuinely moving. Mel Raido did such a great job making you feel every punch, both physical and emotional. The doormen crew felt like a real brotherhood, even with all the tension and danger. Colin Salmon was effortlessly cool and wise as Louis, and Sparky (Scot Williams) added this wild, unpredictable energy that kept you on edge. It wasn’t just action; the moments focusing on Danny’s fear and his relationship with his kids really hit hard. And that soundtrack! It totally transports you back to the 80s. The club scenes felt gritty and real, not overly glamorous. Yeah, it’s violent, but it felt necessary for the story they were telling. Definitely not just another mindless tough-guy movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in realistic, character-driven stories”
  • “Those who enjoy films set in the 1980s”
  • “Audiences interested in stories about overcoming adversity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence and gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Adult themes (divorce, depression, crime)”
  • “Implied drug use”

Professional Reviews

• Film Weekly: “Neil Thompson’s ‘Clubbed’ delivers a raw, unflinching look at 1980s Birmingham nightlife and the men who guarded its doors. Mel Raido anchors the film with a deeply felt performance as Danny, whose transformation from victim to protector is both compelling and heart-wrenching. Supported by a standout cast, including a magnetic Colin Salmon, the movie finds genuine emotional depth amidst the grit. The violence is brutal but purposeful, serving the narrative rather than glorifying it. A memorable British drama.
• The Independent Critics: “‘Clubbed’ struggles to fully inhabit its 1980s setting, often feeling more like a modern crime flick with a vintage soundtrack. While the core story of a man finding his courage is compelling, the film packs in too many subplots, diluting its focus. Performances are a mixed bag, though Scot Williams shines in a supporting role. The violence is impactful, but moments feel jarringly inconsistent with the film’s more introspective elements. An ambitious but uneven effort.
• Brit Flick Insights: “Escaping the ‘Mockney’ cliché, ‘Clubbed’ offers a refreshingly authentic take on British crime. Geoff Thompson’s script, based on his own experiences, provides a foundation of brutal reality and unexpected soul. The film excels in its character studies, particularly the dynamic between Danny and his fellow doormen. The performances feel lived-in, capturing the desperation and camaraderie of the era. It’s tough, it’s violent, but crucially, it has heart. Highly recommended for those seeking depth in the genre.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the authentic characters and emotional depth.: Many praised the strong acting ensemble, the gritty realism of the violence, and the standout 80s soundtrack.

Fans appreciated that it wasn’t just another generic gangster movie.: The film’s focus on fear, courage, and friendship resonated deeply with the audience.

Overall Consensus: ‘Clubbed’ is generally well-regarded by audiences for its gritty realism, strong character performances, and emotional weight, often seen as a cut above typical British crime dramas despite some pacing and period detail criticisms.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the autobiographical book ‘Watch My Back’ by Geoff Thompson, who also co-wrote the screenplay. His other book, ‘Fear – The Friend of Exceptional People’, is also featured in the film.”
• “This was the feature film debut for director Neil Thompson (not to be confused with the author Geoff Thompson).”
• “The movie was filmed in Birmingham, England, where the story is primarily set in the early 1980s.”
• “Despite a relatively low budget, the film received praise for its authentic portrayal of the era and the gritty reality of the doorman profession.”
• “The ending features a notable twist that is frequently highlighted in reviews as a strong point of the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Clubbed?

To watch ‘Clubbed’ (2008), check major streaming platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or Amazon Prime Video for digital rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region and subscription.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Clubbed, you might like these similar films:

• The Firm (2009): Set in the 1980s UK, this film also delves into a violent subculture (football hooliganism) and explores themes of masculinity, loyalty, and the consequences of violence.
• Billy Elliot (2000): While different genres, both films are set in working-class 1980s Britain and feature a protagonist who finds transformation and purpose through a challenging physical discipline (ballet vs. boxing/fighting) and stands against expectations.
• This is England (2006): Offers another gritty, character-focused look at life and subcultures in 1980s Britain, dealing with themes of belonging, identity, and violence.
• Calm with Horses (2019): A modern Irish/UK crime drama focusing on a man entangled with a criminal family, grappling with loyalty, violence, and trying to protect his loved ones, similar to Danny’s situation.
• Trainspotting (1996): A seminal UK cult classic known for its raw portrayal of difficult lives, distinctive style, and examination of friendship and destructive choices, offering a comparable gritty British atmosphere.

🛒 Clubbed Related Products

• Watch My Back: A Memoir: The gripping autobiographical book by Geoff Thompson that inspired the movie ‘Clubbed’. Dive deeper into the true story of fear, violence, and redemption on the doors.
• Classic 80s Soul & Disco Hits (Compilation Album): A collection of iconic soul and disco tracks from the era featured heavily in the film’s soundtrack, capturing the authentic sounds of the 1980s nightlife.
• Vintage Style Bomber Jacket: Channel the look of the 80s doormen with a stylish bomber jacket, inspired by the fashion worn by characters like Louis and Rob in the film.
• British Crime Drama Collection (DVD/Blu-ray Set): A curated set featuring acclaimed British crime films that explore similar themes of loyalty, consequence, and the underworld, offering context and comparison to ‘Clubbed’.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Good Times” – performed by Chic
• “Blowing My Mind to Pieces” – performed by Bob Relf
• “Keep the Fires Burning” – performed by Gwen Guthrie
• “Everybody Dance” – performed by Chic
• “One Way Street” – performed by Willie Tee
• “Forget Me Nots” – performed by Patrice Rushen
• “Work To Do” – performed by Average White Band

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

clubbed to death – Matrix soundtrack

Remember that incredible score during the lobby scene? Dive back into the iconic ‘Clubbed to Death’ track that perfectly captured the tension – it still gives me chills!

Everything Wrong With The Matrix In 12 Minutes Or Less

Even groundbreaking movies have little quirks! Check out this hilarious breakdown from CinemaSins pointing out ‘Everything Wrong’ with The Matrix – you might see things you never noticed before!

Rob dougan clubbed to death videoclip

See the music in a whole new light! This is the official video for ‘Clubbed to Death’ by Rob Dougan, giving visuals to that unforgettable Matrix soundscape – it’s a cool piece of history.

✨ Rate