The Wild Geese Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of geriatric soldiers get paid to kidnap a president, but then their Uber gets cancelled and they have to walk home while getting shot at, only to discover the whole thing was a scam for cheap copper.

🍿 The Wild Geese: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Offer and Recruitment

Colonel Allen Faulkner, a seasoned mercenary, is approached by Sir Edward Matherson, a wealthy banker, to rescue Julius Limbani, the imprisoned former president of a fictional African country. Matherson needs Limbani in power to secure valuable copper mining concessions.

Assembling the Team

Faulkner recruits a team of experienced mercenaries, including pilot Lt. Shawn Fynn, tactician Capt. Rafer Janders, and South African Lt. Pieter Coetzee. They undergo rigorous training, preparing for a daring parachute insertion and prison break.

The Rescue Mission

The mercenaries successfully infiltrate the prison, rescue Limbani, and eliminate the guards. However, they soon discover they’ve been double-crossed. Matherson has struck a deal with the existing government, leaving the mercenaries stranded and hunted.

Betrayal and Survival

Now outgunned and betrayed, the mercenaries must fight their way through hostile territory. They face constant attacks from the local forces, endure heavy losses, and confront moral dilemmas as they struggle to survive.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Colonel Allen Faulkner (Richard Burton): A seasoned mercenary hired to rescue a deposed African president, grappling with morality and loyalty.
• Lt. Shawn Fynn (Roger Moore): A suave pilot and smuggler who joins the mission, showcasing a ruthless side beneath his charm.
• Capt. Rafer Janders (Richard Harris): An experienced mission planner and tactician torn between his duty as a mercenary and his love for his son.
• Lt. Pieter Coetzee (Hardy Krüger): A racist South African mercenary whose prejudices are challenged during the mission.
• Sir Edward Matherson (Stewart Granger): A ruthless merchant banker who hires the mercenaries but ultimately betrays them for his own profit.
• President Julius Limbani (Winston Ntshona): The imprisoned African president whose rescue is the initial objective of the mercenary mission.
• R.S.M. Sandy Young (Jack Watson): The tough and experienced Regimental Sergeant Major who trains the mercenaries for their mission.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• RSM Sandy Young: “Sir! With respect, you can stick the money up your arse that’s all I can offer you sir. – I love what I do, I also love these grubby, thickheaded men I trained – you most of all and I expect to be with them and with you because I’m needed. You want to see a REAL revolution? Try and stop me.” – The RSM passionately declares his loyalty and refusal to be left behind.
• Colonel Allen Faulkner: “Let’s talk about your father.” – Faulkner’s final line to Emile, indicating he will fulfill his promise to Janders to look after his son, capturing a poignant moment of duty.
• Julius Limbani: “I bleed red like you, white man; don’t call me kaffir” – Limbani confronts Coetzee, challenging his racist prejudice and asserting their shared humanity.
• Pieter Coetzee: “Maybe we need you. Maybe you’re just the man.” – Coetzee acknowledges Limbani’s potential to lead, signifying a shift in his prejudiced views.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Wild Geese Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘The Wild Geese’ isn’t exactly a feel-good movie, but it’s one that’s stuck with me since I first saw it as a kid. The gritty action scenes, the backstabbing plot, and the sense of camaraderie among these aging mercenaries hit me hard. Watching Burton’s character struggle with his conscience while doing a dirty job was truly compelling. I remember being shocked by the ending, but also thinking it was the only fitting conclusion. This film will make you want to be a soldier and hate war all at the same time. It’s a complicated mix of emotions.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic war and action movies”
  • “Viewers interested in mercenary-themed stories”
  • “Those who appreciate ensemble casts featuring iconic actors”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and warfare”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes, including betrayal and moral ambiguity”
  • “Depictions of racism (in context of character portrayals)”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “While dated in its politics, ‘The Wild Geese’ delivers a thrilling action experience elevated by a stellar cast. Burton’s world-weary mercenary and Moore’s suave pilot provide compelling counterpoints, even if the film occasionally stumbles with its heavy-handed themes.
• Empire Magazine: “A classic of the mercenary genre, ‘The Wild Geese’ boasts a gripping storyline and impressive action set pieces. The chemistry between Burton, Harris, and Moore is undeniable, making it a must-see for fans of old-school war films. Just be prepared for some uncomfortable moments.

Audience Reactions

The film’s star-studded cast and intense action sequences captivated audiences.: Viewers consistently praise the authentic feel of the mercenary lifestyle and the realistic portrayal of combat.

Viewers admire the film’s exploration of moral complexities and loyalty.: The strong bond among the mercenaries and the film’s anti-PC attitude resonated with many fans.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Wild Geese’ is a classic mercenary film praised for its action, cast, and gritty realism, though some find its politics dated and problematic.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sir Roger Moore requested fewer lines in scenes with Richard Burton and Richard Harris, feeling outmatched by their acting prowess.”
• “The film was shot in South Africa during the apartheid era, which was controversial and broke the ban on filming there at the time.”
• “Former mercenary ‘Mad Mike’ Hoare was a technical advisor on the film, adding authenticity to the mercenary aspects.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Wild Geese?

The Wild Geese can be streamed or purchased on various platforms. Check Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Wild Geese, you might like these similar films:

• The Dogs of War (1980): Shares the mercenary theme and morally ambiguous characters involved in African conflicts.
• Where Eagles Dare (1968): Features a daring World War II rescue mission with an ensemble cast and thrilling action.
• Tears of the Sun (2003): Focuses on a military unit’s mission in Africa, highlighting moral dilemmas and intense action.
• Apocalypse Now (1979): Explores the psychological impact of war and the dark side of human nature in a conflict setting.

🛒 The Wild Geese Related Products

• The Wild Geese DVD: Experience the classic mercenary action in high quality, relive the adventure with improved sound and video and special features.
• Mercenaries Board Game: A strategic board game where players command mercenary units, completing objectives and managing resources in a war-torn landscape. Featuring detailed miniatures and challenging gameplay.
• The Wild Geese Movie Poster (Limited Edition): A high-quality print of the original movie poster, numbered and certified for collectors. Captures the iconic imagery of the film.
• Tactical Military Backpack: A durable, versatile backpack inspired by the gear used in the movie, perfect for hiking, camping, and everyday use. Made with high-quality materials and multiple compartments.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Wild Geese features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Flight of the Wild Geese” – performed by Joan Armatrading
• “Main Title” – performed by Roy Budd

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

‘Mad Mike’ Hoare: What kind of men became Wild Geese in the Congo – and why?

Ever wondered what kind of person becomes a mercenary? Chris Hoare, son of the legendary ‘Mad Mike’ Hoare, gives some fascinating insight. It’s pretty cool to see the real-life inspiration behind the movie!

The Wild Geese Premiere

Want to see what the premiere of ‘The Wild Geese’ was like back in the day? Check out this footage from London’s West End! It’s a fun little glimpse into movie history.

✨ Rate