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The Wild Geese
The Wild Geese
1978 ·134 min ·United Kingdom, Switzerland ·R 16+
7.0
IMDb 6.8 КП 6.8 RT 75%
Action
Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
🎭 Based on «The Wild Geese» byDaniel Carney
Trailers The Wild Geese
Trailer EN
Trailer EN

A British multinational company seeks to overthrow a vicious dictator in central Africa. It 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.

Budget: $11.6M
Worldwide: $9.9M
Richard Burton
Actor
Roger Moore
Actor
Richard Harris
Actor
🏆1 win & 1 nomination total

The Wild Geese is a classic mercenary-themed action film that relies heavily on its ensemble cast to elevate a straightforward mission narrative. While critics and viewers appreciate its gritty, grounded approach to warfare and character-driven moments, opinions are polarized regarding the quality of its action sequences and the aging physical performances of its leads.

Acting The ensemble cast, featuring Burton, Harris, and Moore, provides strong, credible performances that anchor the film's character-driven narrative.
Originality The film utilizes authentic military tactics and gear, benefiting from the involvement of legendary mercenary consultant Mike Hoare.
Screenplay The film's screenplay balances mission-focused drama with self-aware humor and snappy dialogue.
Direction The action choreography and visual execution are viewed by some as gritty and realistic, while others find the staging dated, clumsy, and amateurish.
Theme The film's portrayal of mercenaries and post-colonial African politics is seen by some as a nuanced, truthful critique of exploitation, while others find the themes simplistic or problematic.
Pacing The film's pacing is generally praised for its steady build-up in the first half, but many find that the momentum falters or becomes less effective during the second half's combat sequences.
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