The Damned United

Tom Hooper's film The Damned United may not be all fact but it is a good entertainment just the same. And this comes from someone who is not a fan of soccer or any sports.

It is the story of the rise and fall of Brian Clough (Michael Sheen) who was the manager of the soccer team in Derby and then Leeds. His loyal friend Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall) is also his partner during the time he managed the Derby team. Clough is overly ambitious and many times this gets him into trouble. And one of the people he crosses is the chief of the Derby Sam Longson (Jim Broadbent). And he is also at odds with the Leeds teams former manager Don Revie (Colm Meany).

I won't say what else happens. Hooper does a great job of directing his actors. And Peter Morgan's script is very well written. The film is an amazing character study of a man who wants too much. All of the acting is terrific (also including Henry Goodman as Manny Cousins) and Sheen proves he is worth his weight in gold as an actor.

I highly recommend this film to those of you who like character studies and outstanding acting.