Review of The Damned United (2009) by Maksim B — 27 Apr 2010

Stylish, dark, funny and entertaining, The Damned United shows to the most Hollywood-balloon-productions why the British Actors will always be in the A-class and why soccer (as the Americans call it) is the only real football!

The movie delves into the most romantic period of the game and explores the enigmatic character of Brian Clough, one of the most charismatic football managers. It's all about pride, ideals, honor, ego, ambitions and the fact that failure is always just behind the corner. In fact, one should not expect a movie about football, but a dark and detailed study on obsession, ambition, human ego and devotion to ideals.

All of this would have been impossible without the magnificent performance of Michael Sheen. Being Brian Clough in his full complexity, egoism, arrogance, idealism, and uncontrolled fury is not an easy task, but Michael Sheen delivers almost a documentary-precise performance. If one has thought that his performances in The Queen and Frost/Nixon (especially the latter) are to be his peak, with The Damned United Michael Sheen sets another, much higher level ,which if maintained will surely bring him an Academy Award soon or late.

A must see movie, about a great and charismatic coach and person!