The Wild Geese tells of a mercenary mission into the heart of Africa. Fifty hand-picked mercenaries attempt to a free an imprisoned nationalist from a corrupt dictatorship, but their escape plan goes wrong and they are left to fight their way to safety across many miles of hostile terrain.
The high profile cast includes Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris and Stewart Granger. Burton is pretty good as the leader of the mission, an old and cynical fighter who'll take on any job provided that the money is right. Moore gets lumbered with the weakest of the four main roles, as a handsome, dashing type who doesn't take anything too seriously, including his own life. Granger has a small but menacing part as the villain. Best of all is Harris, excellent and commanding as the member of the mission who doesn't want to be there because he has settled down to a peaceful life with his son, but whose loyalty to his old mercenary buddies forces him into accepting the job.
The plot of the film is nothing special, and indeed it feels predictable and cliched in some parts. There are also some erly scenes that don't particularly need to be in this film (for example, what on earth is the purpose of the subplot dealing with Moore's involvement with drug dealers?) However, in spite of its shortcomings, The Wild Geese is a robust and entertaining action film. An enjoyable way to pass a couple of hours.
The high profile cast includes Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris and Stewart Granger. Burton is pretty good as the leader of the mission, an old and cynical fighter who'll take on any job provided that the money is right. Moore gets lumbered with the weakest of the four main roles, as a handsome, dashing type who doesn't take anything too seriously, including his own life. Granger has a small but menacing part as the villain. Best of all is Harris, excellent and commanding as the member of the mission who doesn't want to be there because he has settled down to a peaceful life with his son, but whose loyalty to his old mercenary buddies forces him into accepting the job.
The plot of the film is nothing special, and indeed it feels predictable and cliched in some parts. There are also some erly scenes that don't particularly need to be in this film (for example, what on earth is the purpose of the subplot dealing with Moore's involvement with drug dealers?) However, in spite of its shortcomings, The Wild Geese is a robust and entertaining action film. An enjoyable way to pass a couple of hours.