The Damned United

The Damned United

Starring Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon), Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew from Harry Potter) , Colm Meany (Chief O’Brien in Star Trek), and Jim Broadbent (Prof. Slughorn from Harry Potter)

MPAA - Rated R for language.

I forgot how much films from the UK liked using the “F” word and this movie was no exception. I also forgot how good they are at incorporating that word into their dialogue, making it sound more like the words stinking or shoot in our daily language. That being said, to those who are not offended by this word then The Damned United is a brilliant film and takes its place in among the greats following the theme, “pride cometh before the fall”.



This is not a sports film. There might be two or three scenes with football (European not American) footage, and these shots are impressive, but anyone wanting to see Remember the Titans for soccer should realize this is not a move about sports. Instead this is a true story about a man’s rise to greatness and his pride; how pride can destroy relationships and careers. I can’t give too much away, but this is a great study in relationships and the acting in this film is flawless in its portrayal of life.



The film follows the true story of acclaimed football manger Brian Clough, his rise to stardom as coach for Derby County, and his tragic fall over Leeds United. Michael Sheen of Frost/Nixon and Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter franchise) star together as fellow coaches, one consumed with pride the other trying to be the friend who can pull them through. The story is gripping and the friendship is almost tangible. Sheen and Spall are fantastic actors who carry this movie through to the end.

Pride and loyalty are major themes in this film. Watching as Sheen digs himself into a huge hole and seeing Spall trying to save his friend is touching. This film explores the things that can happen because of a carried grudge and does an excellent job portraying life’s challenges. The screenplay is written by Peter Morgan who was also wrote Frost/Nixon and The Last King of Scotland, two amazing true story adaptations. With a track level like that no wonder The Damned United is so damned good!



The Damned United is a superb film. It has a plot that is riveting and characters and dialogue that pulls the audience in different directions laughing and cringing at times. This film is an easy 9 out of 10. It is an excellent achievement in film.

Sex/Nudity – 1 out of 10 – There are a few locker room scenes where we see bare chested men. A man kisses another man in a friendly happy way, not in a sexual way.

Violence/Gore – 4 out of 5 -There are a few bloody sports injuries and some cheap punches in the middle of a soccer game.

Profanity – 9 out of 10 – 50 or so “F” words and various other explitives.