The Damned United (2009)

Director: Tom Hooper

Cast: Michael Sheen, Colm Meaney, Timothy Spall

Genre: Drama, Biography

Plot: True story of England's most successful national football manager, Brian Clough.

The Damned United tells of Brian Clough's rise to fame with the qualification of his native club Derby to 1st division, against all odds. Then, a trip down the dungeon as manager of  the then Champion, Leeds United, for a horrendous 44 days. And finally winning the back-to-back European Cups with Derby. A feat unmatched even today.

There is genuine depth and meaning in this film. A powerful script is supported by superb direction and spot on chemistry among actors. Film atmosphere is further charged with timely flashbacks, clashes of heavy weights, rivalry among best mates, and pumping adrenalin. Emotions are running real high.

Among all this drama, actors have done a fantastic job. Colm Meaney is justly arrogant as Don Revie. Timothy Spall is a superb best buddy as Taylor. Michael Sheen as Clough is simply stellar.

Might I say an underrated masterpiece..

8/10