The Deal

The Deal (2003)

Genres - Drama, Romance, Thriller  |   Sub-Genres - Docudrama, Political Drama  |   Release Date - Sep 28, 2003 (USA - Unknown)  |   Run Time - 90 min.  |   Countries - United Kingdom  |   MPAA Rating - NR
  • AllMovie Rating
    8
  • User Ratings (0)
  • Your Rating

Share on

Synopsis by Perry Seibert

British director Stephen Frears' political docudrama The Deal was originally broadcast on Channel 4. The film is based on the real-life events that elevated Tony Blair to the seat of Prime Minister. The film shows how the hard-working, but not head-turning, Gordon Brown (David Morrissey) and the flashy Blair (Michael Sheen), two very opposite personalities, forged a working relationship while opposing Margaret Thatcher's government. When the Labor leader, John Smith, dies of a heart attack, on May 13, 1994, everyone believes Brown will ascend to the top of the party. But that isn't what happens. The film supposes what happened at a historic dinner meeting between Brown and Blair, at Islington, that led directly to Blair's appointment. This film is loosely based on The Rivals, written by James Naughtie.

Characteristics