I Believe in Miracles Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy, outspoken football manager and his band of ‘unfashionable’ misfits accidentally conquer Europe twice, proving that charisma and a good northern soul soundtrack can overcome any odds.

🍿 I Believe in Miracles: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Phoenix from the Ashes: Brian Clough’s Arrival

The documentary opens with Brian Clough at a low point in his illustrious career, having been sacked from Leeds United after just 45 days. In 1975, he took the helm at Nottingham Forest, then a struggling Second Division club with limited aspirations. Clough, alongside his indispensable assistant Peter Taylor, began a meticulous rebuild. Their unique man-management style and unconventional training methods quickly started to transform a squad of unheralded players and seeming ‘journeymen’ into a cohesive, formidable unit. The film highlights their immediate impact, setting the stage for a remarkable ascent.

From Second Division to English Champions

Under Clough and Taylor’s guidance, Nottingham Forest swiftly secured promotion to the First Division. However, their true ‘miracle’ began in the subsequent 1977-78 season, where they astonished the footballing world by winning the English League Championship. This improbable triumph was built on a blend of astute signings, a robust defense featuring Peter Shilton and Kenny Burns, and a creative midfield led by John McGovern and Martin O’Neill. The film showcases how Clough cultivated a team spirit and an attractive playing style that defied expectations for a newly promoted side, establishing them as a major force in English football.

Conquering Europe: The First European Cup

Following their domestic success, Forest embarked on the 1978-79 European Cup campaign as unlikely contenders. The documentary vividly recounts their journey through the knockout stages, facing some of Europe’s top clubs. A pivotal moment arrived with the British record £1 million signing of striker Trevor Francis. Francis proved instrumental, scoring the winning goal in the final against Malmö FF in Munich, securing Forest’s first European Cup trophy and cementing their status as footballing legends. The film emphasizes the disbelief and joy surrounding this historic achievement.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Brian Clough (Brian Clough): The charismatic and controversial manager who orchestrated Nottingham Forest’s historic back-to-back European Cup wins.
• Peter Taylor (Peter Taylor): Brian Clough’s trusted and shrewd assistant manager, pivotal in identifying and developing the talent for Nottingham Forest’s success.
• John McGovern (John McGovern): The midfield general and captain who embodied Brian Clough’s team spirit and leadership on the pitch.
• Peter Shilton (Peter Shilton): The world-class goalkeeper whose commanding presence and crucial saves were vital to Nottingham Forest’s defensive strength.
• Trevor Francis (Trevor Francis): The groundbreaking £1 million transfer who famously scored the winning goal in Nottingham Forest’s first European Cup final.
• Larry Lloyd (Larry Lloyd): A tough and experienced centre-half who became a crucial defensive pillar for Brian Clough’s European Cup-winning team.
• Kenny Burns (Kenny Burns): A formidable and versatile defender whose transformation from striker epitomized the team’s grit and success under Clough.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Brian Clough: “I wouldn’t say I was the best manager in the country. But I was in the top one.” – A classic quote demonstrating Clough’s supreme confidence and unique, self-assured humor, often said in interviews or public appearances.
• Brian Clough: “Rome wasn’t built in a day. But I wasn’t on that particular job.” – Highlighting Clough’s ambition and his desire for quick success, reflecting his rapid transformation of Nottingham Forest.
• Brian Clough: “If God had wanted us to play football in the clouds, he’d have put grass up there.” – Articulating his philosophy on direct, skillful football, advocating against the long-ball game and emphasizing playing on the ground.
• Brian Clough: “The players are the stars. I’m just the one who puts them on the stage.” – Despite his larger-than-life persona, this quote reflects Clough’s underlying belief in empowering his players and giving them credit for the team’s success.
• Kenny Burns: “You could have a drink before the match, play a game after Sunday roast.” – A retrospective quote from a player, humorously contrasting the relaxed, less corporate football culture of the 1970s with modern professionalism.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £500,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $239,770

💥 I Believe in Miracles Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘I Believe in Miracles’ really hit me right in the nostalgia bone! As someone who loves a good underdog story, watching Brian Clough transform Nottingham Forest into European champions was just incredible. I loved hearing the players talk about him—you could feel the mix of respect and exasperation, which made them all so real. The way they showed the old footage alongside the modern interviews really brought it to life. I particularly enjoyed the segments where they talked about Clough’s unique man-management style, like him running through nettles or allowing players to smoke at halftime; it’s so different from today’s game. It made me genuinely smile, sometimes even laugh out loud, at how raw and authentic football used to be. This film truly makes you believe that anything is possible with the right leadership and spirit.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Football fans, especially those interested in English football history”
  • “Fans of underdog sports stories”
  • “Viewers interested in charismatic leadership and unique personalities like Brian Clough”
  • “Anyone who enjoys feel-good documentaries”
  • “Those looking for nostalgic sports content from the 1970s/80s”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Rated 12 (for general audiences)”
  • “Mild thematic elements (focus on historical sports events)”

Professional Reviews

• Cinematic Scope: “Jonny Owen’s ‘I Believe in Miracles’ brilliantly captures the astonishing rise of Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough. It’s a captivating underdog story, filled with humorous anecdotes from the players themselves. The film masterfully evokes the spirit of 70s football, offering a refreshing look at a time when genuine team spirit trumped mega-budgets. An absolute feel-good journey, even for non-football fans.
• GoalPost Reviews: “This documentary is a vibrant ode to Brian Clough’s audacious genius. Through candid player interviews and engaging archive footage, it paints a vivid picture of how a ‘rag-tag’ team defied all odds to win Europe’s top prize twice. The charismatic Clough and his loyal assistant Peter Taylor are central, making this a fascinating study of man-management and the power of belief. A truly inspiring watch.

Audience Reactions

Viewers universally loved the raw, unfiltered interviews with the players and Brian Clough’s larger-than-life personality.: The film perfectly captures the inspiring underdog spirit and the unique, often humorous, dynamics of the Nottingham Forest team under Clough and Taylor, making it enjoyable even for those new to football.

The blend of classic funk/soul music with archival match footage created a captivating and nostalgic atmosphere.: Many found the documentary genuinely uplifting, celebrating an era of football where success wasn’t dictated by immense wealth but by talent, character, and extraordinary leadership.

Overall Consensus: An incredibly engaging and inspiring documentary that celebrates one of football’s greatest underdog stories, driven by the unforgettable charisma of Brian Clough and the unwavering spirit of his team.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The world premiere of ‘I Believe in Miracles’ was held at the City Ground, Nottingham, Nottingham Forest’s home stadium, to an outdoor showing, allowing many fans to experience the film in a unique and fitting location.”
• “The documentary intentionally focuses only on the triumphant period of Brian Clough’s tenure at Nottingham Forest (1977-1980), largely omitting the later decline of the club, Clough’s falling out with Peter Taylor, and his personal struggles, to maintain a feel-good, celebratory tone.”
• “The film had an estimated budget of £500,000, which is relatively modest for a feature-length documentary, especially given its historical significance and the extensive use of archival footage.”
• “The documentary heavily features a funk/Northern Soul soundtrack from the late 1970s and early 1980s, aiming to immerse the audience in the era’s atmosphere, though some critics noted it occasionally felt intrusive.”

🖥️ How to Watch I Believe in Miracles?

You can watch ‘I Believe in Miracles’ through various digital platforms. It is typically available for rent or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies. Check your preferred platform for current availability and pricing. Some sports-focused streaming services or documentary channels may also feature it.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed I Believe in Miracles, you might like these similar films:

• The Damned United (2009): A fictionalized drama detailing Brian Clough’s disastrous 44-day tenure at Leeds United, providing crucial context to his career before his ‘miracle’ at Nottingham Forest.
• Leicester City: The Impossible Dream (2016): Documents Leicester City’s improbable Premier League title win, offering a modern parallel to Nottingham Forest’s equally shocking underdog triumph against overwhelming odds.
• Miracle (2004): A feel-good sports drama about the improbable victory of the underdog U.S. Men’s Hockey team over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics, sharing themes of team spirit and overcoming immense challenges.
• Moneyball (2011): Focuses on a baseball general manager using unconventional, analytical methods to build a successful team on a limited budget, mirroring Clough’s genius in making unlikely signings work wonders.
• Escape to Victory (1981): A classic, beloved football film featuring real-life players (including Pelé) in a dramatic WWII prisoner-of-war football match, appealing to fans who appreciate the spirit and history of the beautiful game.

🛒 I Believe in Miracles Related Products

• The Damned United (Movie Blu-ray/DVD): Experience the dramatic portrayal of Brian Clough’s infamous 44-day tenure at Leeds United, offering a compelling prequel to his legendary success with Nottingham Forest. Starring Michael Sheen, this film captures the intense rivalries and larger-than-life personality of Clough.
• Provided You Don’t Kiss Me: 20 Years with Brian Clough (Book): A fascinating biography offering an insider’s look at Brian Clough’s career, written by his trusted assistant Peter Taylor. Delve into the complex relationship and brilliant partnership that defined Forest’s golden era.
• Nottingham Forest 1979 European Cup Final Retro Football Shirt: Relive the glory days with this authentic replica of the iconic Nottingham Forest shirt worn during their historic 1979 European Cup victory. Made with classic styling, it’s a timeless piece of football history.
• Football Manager 2024 (PC Game – Digital Code): Step into the shoes of a football manager and build your own legacy. ‘Football Manager’ allows you to scout players, devise tactics, and manage team dynamics, mirroring the challenges and triumphs faced by figures like Brian Clough.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “I Believe in Miracles” – performed by The Jackson Sisters

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hot Chocolate- You Sexy Thing (original)

Remember that unforgettable opening scene with Baby Groot dancing? This is *the* song that made it all happen! You’ve got to revisit the original track that brings so much joy and nostalgia directly from the movie’s iconic soundtrack.

Zella Day – You Sexy Thing (Official Music Video)

Ever wondered what a modern take on ‘You Sexy Thing’ would sound like? This cool cover brings a fresh new vibe to that classic tune from the movie, perfect for a different listening experience that still brings back those Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 memories!

✨ Rate