Watch Damned United, The

The Damned United is a British sports drama film directed by Tom Hooper, released in 2009. The movie follows the story of Brian Clough, who was the manager of Derby County and Leeds United, two rival football clubs in the UK, in the 1970s. The film is based on the novel of the same name by David Peace. Clough, played by Michael Sheen, is a charismatic and ambitious football manager who has made a name for himself by taking Derby from the lower leagues to the top of the first division. However, his brash and arrogant personality makes him a controversial figure among players, fans and fellow managers.

At the start of the movie, Clough is approached by the Leeds United board to replace Don Revie, who has left to manage the England team. Although Clough has a fierce rivalry with Revie, he accepts the job and sets out to rebuild the team in his own image.

He soon discovers that the Leeds team is full of talented players but is also deeply divided and resentful of his appointment. He also clashes with the Leeds captain Billy Bremner, played by Stephen Graham, who is loyal to Revie and sees Clough as a threat.

The movie weaves back and forth between Clough's time at Derby and his tumultuous forty-four day tenure at Leeds. It shows how his ego and inexperience led to his downfall at Leeds, where he made several unpopular decisions that alienated his players and fans.

The movie is not just a sports drama but also a character study of Brian Clough. The viewer gets to see the insecurity and vulnerability hiding behind the bravado and bombast. Clough is depicted as a complex and flawed individual who wants to succeed at all costs but also yearns to be loved and respected.

The performances by the cast are excellent, particularly Michael Sheen as Clough. Sheen nails the mannerisms and speech patterns of the real-life Clough and manages to convey both his charisma and his flaws. Colm Meaney also shines as Clough's long-time assistant Peter Taylor, who serves as both his anchor and his conscience.

The movie captures the gritty and raw atmosphere of British football in the 1970s, with its hooliganism, tribalism and intense rivalries. The scenes of the matches and training sessions are well-staged and exciting, while the period detail and costume design are spot-on.

Overall, The Damned United is an engrossing and insightful sports movie that delves into the personality and motivations of its main character. It is a must-watch for football fans and anyone interested in the psychology of success and failure.