The Deal

2003

1 hr. 30 min.

Drama

List

Reviews

73%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

In the early 1980s, Margret Thatcher's Conservative regime is in full effect. Gordon Brown (David Morrissey), a new recruit in Parliament, meets Tony Blair (Michael Sheen), another member, for the first time. They become friends as they simultaneously climb through the ranks of British government. But, when British Labour leader John Smith (Frank Kelly) suddenly dies, tension between the two friends rises, as both Brown and Blair want Smith's position -- and to run for prime minister.

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Steve D

Not as accessible to non Brits as the other two but still well done.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/30/23

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Audience Member

The Deal relives the high drama of British politics with Sheen's Blair acting as quick-witted and cunning as we suspected.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

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Audience Member

The Element Of 'Made For Television' Is There, In The Shadows Of The Production..But The Story, True-To-Life Is Great. Sheen Plays A Pigsney Blair Character Whom Ultimately Is Contrite In Victory, Falling Arse-Over Backward Into Leadership. His Performance Is By Far The Best, All The Rest Of The Cast Just Tag Along For Show.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

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Audience Member

"Politics is not always about... higher matters." This sums up so much. Casts a bright light on the relationship between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Their friendship, climbing the ranks of parliamentary and the divisive agreement for one to move ahead of the other with sites set on Prime Minister. Might be old fodder for our English brethren, but I found it interesting. It's a short watch, anchored in strong performances. If you have an interest in politics, watch. If not, pass.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

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Audience Member

A rather Brownite account of Blair and Brown's rise through the ranks of the Labour Party. Michael Sheen is excellent, as always, and the use of real TV footage brings the whole thing to life. Just make sure you also read The Third Man, Peter Mandelson's excellent book, for a more balanced historical perspective...

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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Audience Member

interesting topic undermined by snail-like pacing

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Stephen Frears

Director

Michael Sheen

Actor

David Morrissey

Actor

Frank Kelly

Actor

Elizabeth Berrington

Actor

Paul Rhys

Actor

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RT Interview: Michael Sheen on Frost/Nixon

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John Leonard

New York Magazine/Vulture

Frears directs as if he intended the exact opposite of his own My Beautiful Laundrette-the view from the top, as empty of principle as pretty-boy Blair.

Jan 11, 2018

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Christopher Null

Filmcritic.com

just a couple of guys conniving their way to the top but mostly appearing to do so via telephone

Rated: 3/5

Aug 2, 2008

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David Cornelius

DVDTalk.com

A straight-up insider-politics study of ambition on a national scale.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 31, 2008

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Peter Canavese

Groucho Reviews

A bold and credible effort to dramatize contemporary political history. [DVD]

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 21, 2008

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Synopsis

In the early 1980s, Margret Thatcher's Conservative regime is in full effect. Gordon Brown (David Morrissey), a new recruit in Parliament, meets Tony Blair (Michael Sheen), another member, for the first time. They become friends as they simultaneously climb through the ranks of British government. But, when British Labour leader John Smith (Frank Kelly) suddenly dies, tension between the two friends rises, as both Brown and Blair want Smith's position -- and to run for prime minister.

Director: Stephen Frears
Screenwriter: Peter Morgan
Production Co: Granada Television
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Sound Mix: Stereo