The Wild Geese
They're the best in the business... the dogs of war!
A British multinational seeks to overthrow a vicious dictator in central Africa. He hires a band of (largely aged) mercenaries in London and sends them in to save the virtuous but imprisoned opposition leader who is also critically ill and due for execution. Just when the team has performed a perfect rescue, the multinational does a deal with the vicious dictator leaving the mercenary band to escape under their own steam and exact revenge.
Member Reviews
action - basilbenz
Imagine a film with three major stars put together with a good script and some fine action and what do you get: The Wild Geese. With the unlikely combination of Richard Burton, Richard Harris & Roger Moore plus a well-written script coupled with spectacular action sequences this is a rip-roaring action / adventure and a top-notch film.
The three main leads are the main attraction of this film. It's hard to believe that actors of the caliber of Burton, Harris and Moore would either have chemistry or even be in the same film together. But put the three of them together as mercenaries and you get a truly explosive combination of three terrific actors. None of them fail in their roles and they actually share quite a bit of chemistry between them especially in the final scene between Burton and Harris.
The rest of the cast is not a let down either. Harvey Kruger does well in his role as the mercenary Pieter Coetze as do Kenneth Griffith, John Kani and Jack Watson among the other members of the Wild Geese. Frank Finlay, Winston Ntshona and Stewart Granger all make welcomed appearances in the film in their supporting roles.
The film's script is a well-written action film with political overtones. While the politics of the film are dated now, the message for the times is still evident in the film. Outside of the political overtones the dialouge of the film is well-written and in some scenes is even touching especially in the final scene.
The action in the film is another highlight. The air drop into Africa, various raids by the Wild Geese and the final battle at the airstrip complement the story and never overwhelm the story and plot. Thanks to some good editing by editor John Glen (who had edited three Bond films and would go on to direct five more Bond films)the action is never dull and keeps the pace constant.
With a top-notch leading cast, a good supporting cast, a good script and spectacular action sequences, The Wild Geese is one of Rip-Roaring War Film - Movie_Fan
Well written script, crisp action sequences, and competent acting combine to produce one of the best war films of all time.
Richard Burton,as Faulkner,leader of the mercenary group, is nothing short of excellent with his portrayal of the tough commander with somewhat loose morals. The rest of the cast is uniformly fine with special mention to Stewart Granger as the slimy banker and Jack Watson as the loyal Sergeant Major.
The action sequences are well done - especially the rescue of Julius and the climactic battle. Things get a bit bloody at times but this is a war movie.
The bottom Line: Well worth a rental.Great Movie! - moviewatcher
Great movie with a fun cast to watch. Story carries well with a good plot and appropriate ending. You get to know the characters well and it becomes more than just a “War” movie. Good for a tub of popcorn to enjoy great actor performing. Enjoy this movie, you won’t be disappointed.
Member Reviews
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action - basilbenz
Imagine a film with three major stars put together with a good script and some fine action and what do you get: The Wild Geese. With the unlikely combination of Richard Burton, Richard Harris & Roger Moore plus a well-written script coupled with spectacular ...Rip-Roaring War Film - Movie_Fan
Well written script, crisp action sequences, and competent acting combine to produce one of the best war films of all time.
Richard Burton,as Faulkner,leader of the mercenary group, is nothing short of excellent with his portrayal of the tough commander ...Great Movie! - moviewatcher
Great movie with a fun cast to watch. Story carries well with a good plot and appropriate ending. You get to know the characters well and it becomes more than just a “War” movie. Good for a tub of popcorn to enjoy great actor performing. Enjoy this movie, ...