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THE DAMNED UNITED

"Pride Cometh Before a Fall"

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What You Need To Know:

THE DAMNED UNITED is an English movie about Brian Clough (“Cluff”), one of the most successful, controversial managers in soccer history. The movie goes back and forth in time between Brian’s successful stint as the outspoken, flamboyant manager of the Derby County Rams from 1967 to 1972 and his disastrous 44-day stint as manager of Leeds United. A public spat with the owner of the Derby team results in Brian falling out with his long-time friend and assistant manager, Peter Taylor. Brian gets his comeuppance when the players for Leeds resent his attitude against them and their former coach, Brian’s personal nemesis. This leads to the movie’s final redemptive, heartwarming reconciliation between Brian and Peter.

THE DAMNED UNITED is a thoroughly engaging biography of a soccer coach whose outspoken nature has been compared to American sports figures Joe Namath and Muhammed Ali. All the performances are excellent, but the movie belongs to Michael Sheen who delivers a bravura performance. The movie has a strong moral, redemptive worldview showing the negative effects of pride and the redemptive power of forgiveness and friendship. These positive qualities are undermined, however, by too much foul language.

Content:

(BB, C, Pa, FR, LLL, V, A, D, M) Strong moral, redemptive worldview extols the redemptive power of forgiveness and friendship, marred by pagan, antinomian use of foul language; at least 45 obscenities (mostly “f” words), one strong profanity and one light profanity; light violence includes some soccer falls and intentional hits and trippings; no sex; no nudity; alcohol use; smoking; and, pride, conceit and man ridicules his best friend but comes to regret it and asks forgiveness.

More Detail:

Actor Michael Sheen gives a bravura performance in THE DAMNED UNITED, an English movie about Brian Clough (“Cluff”), one of the most successful, controversial managers in soccer history. The only thing spoiling this compelling, funny and ultimately inspiring, redemptive movie are an abundant sprinkling of “f” words and some other foul language, including a couple profanities.

The story goes back and forth in time to show Brian gaining his first national notoriety as the outspoken, flamboyant manager, or coach, of the Derby County Rams from 1969 to 1972 and his doomed 44-day tenure as manager of Leeds United, the reigning soccer champions in 1974. A public spat with the owner of the Derby team results in Brian falling out with his long-time friend and assistant manager, Peter Taylor. Brian gets his comeuppance when the players for Leeds resent his attitude against them and their former coach, Brian’s nemesis. This leads to the movie’s final redemptive, heartwarming reconciliation between Brian and Peter.

THE DAMNED UNITED is a thoroughly engaging sports biography of a soccer coach whose outspoken flamboyance has been compared to American sports figures Joe Namath and Muhammed Ali. All the performances are excellent, including Timothy Spall as the loyal assistant coach, Colm Meaney as Brian’s nemesis, and Jim Broadbent as the pragmatic but weak-willed owner. This movie belongs, however, to Michael Sheen, who creates an unforgettable character in Brian Clough.

Best of all, the movie has a strong moral, redemptive worldview showing that pride cometh before a fall, but that forgiveness can redeem a multitude of sins. The movie also extols the redemptive power of friendship. These positive qualities are undermined by plenty of strong foul language, including many “f” words and some other foul language.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.