This film caught my eye when I was flipping through the Netflix Instant queue because it was directed by Tom Hooper, the Oscar-winning director of The King's Speech.
The Damn United is a biopic that tells the story of Brian Clough, a coach that rises from obscurity leading a small football (soccer) team to success. He then get the chance to coach a much more professional team. Clough was an explosive coach whose fast talking usually ended up getting him in trouble. Especially when he lets his rivalry with Coach Don Revie become his driving motivation.
The cast is amazing. Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon) turns in another spectacular performance as Clough. Timothy Spall (Harry Potter series) is his long suffering assistant. Colm Meaney (Star Trek: TNG) gives the best performance of his career as Don Revie, the popular coach of Leed United that is replaced by Clough. The supporting cast is just as strong. From Jim Broadbent as Clough's boss to the many different players he coaches, each actor adds to tapestry of the film.
Hooper's direction is exceptional; he handles the the different aspects of the movie with passion and commitment, mixing in humor with the drama. It definitely proves that The King's Speech wasn't a fluke, and I'm excited to see what he attempts next.
While I'm not a huge soccer fan (because, franky, I'm American, and we just don't get it), The Damn United is a fantastic movie that should be enjoyable to both sports fans and non-sports fans alike.
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