The Damned United

Viewer Rating:Sarah has rated The Damned United rating: 4 Star

As a Leeds fan I was really looking forward to seeing this film. I was gutted when I missed the chance to see it in the cinema, but finally I got to watch it on DVD. A thoroughly enjoyable look at the infamous 44 day period at Leeds United. Sheen plays the "Man Manager" Clough, brilliantly!!! You really forget you are watching an actor playing a part. the voice the look the mannerism shows the dedication that Sheen has when playing a part. He obviously wanted to get the character right, and in my opinion he got it spot on. Spall plays the side kick role very well. He is shown to be the brains behind the operation, he found the talent and the bold clough went and persuaded them to join their club. Although I did enjoy this film I didnt particularly like the way the Leeds first team, especially Billy Bremner and Johnny Giles, were protrayed. Leeds were made out to be the bad guys in some part, and Im not saying that they were angels, but they were not the only team in the 70s to play like that. Derby etc played tough football too, but it comes across in the film like Leeds were the only ones who played liked that. the rivalry between Clough and Revie came across very well. Meaney portrayed the Leeds Legend brilliantly. The similarity was uncanny! The football scenes were excellent, the grounds looked authentic and the incorporation of original footage was fantastically done. I dont think you have to be a football fan to like this movie (but it helps)

Review published on the 10 November 2009 10:17