The Wild Geese

The Wild Geese is a British-Swiss action-adventure war film from 1978 directed by Andrew V. McLaglen. The powerhouse cast features three screen legends: Richard Burton, Roger Moore, and Richard Harris. The story is based on the 1978 novel by Daniel Carney, which was specially commissioned to accompany the film's release.

The plot centers on a group of hired mercenaries intent on executing a daring mission in Southern Africa. Colonel Allen Faulkner (played by Richard Burton), a seasoned British ex-military man, leads this audacious band of warriors. Roger Moore plays the role of the suave mercenary Lieutenant Shawn Fynn, a man with a taste for the finer things in life. Richard Harris portrays Captain Rafer Janders, a tough-talking soldier with a softer side, particularly when it comes to his son.

The mission the men are hired for involves a nefarious British businessman, Sir Edward Matherson, who tasks them with rescuing an imprisoned African president, Julius Limbani. Matherson's interest in the matter is less about the politics and more about the substantial mineral wealth Limbani would allow him access to if freed and reinstated - serving as a critique of the rapacious appetite of neo-colonial interests.

The Wild Geese is not just an action-packed military film. It weaves strong themes of camaraderie, loyalty, and the brutal realities of mercenary life into its backdrop. Despite their tough exterior, the mercenaries aren't portrayed as mindless guns for hire but people with their own unique backstories, sentiments, and moral codes. They have to navigate not only the dangers of the mission but also weigh the ethics of their work.

The movie combines thrilling moments of high-octane action complete with grand shoot-outs and heart-pounding chases with more character-driven scenes. The mercenaries, despite their hardened exteriors, are not without their fair share of emotional baggage. Between mission briefings and battle sequences, the film takes occasional dips into melodrama exploring the mercenary's personal lives and the costs of their chosen professions.

The three main characters' relationship balances the mix of tension and brotherhood, showcasing the actors' considerable talent and collectively boasting an on-screen chemistry that remains a highlight of the film. Burton, Moore, and Harris – three of cinema's best-known names – provide a charisma-driven thrust to the storyline, which capitalizes on their established screen personas.

Adding to the film's appeal is Stewart Granger, cast as the wealthy businessman Sir Edward Matherson – a role that distances him from his usual heroic cinematic portrayals. His character adds an extra edge to the film's underlying critique of neo-colonial business practices. Hardy Kruger also stars as an Afrikaner Lieutenant, Pieter Coetzee, who has his prejudices confronted and personal values challenged during the mission, layering the movie with discussions of race and representation.

As a product of its time, The Wild Geese does not shy away from painting a vivid picture of Cold War-era Africa and the prominent clashing ideologies. The film's setting is escapist without overlooking the era's geopolitical realities. The production design, costumes, and location give the film a good sense of authenticity that remains engaging, with the action sequences being strategically intense while not especially gory.

The scenes are beautifully shot by Jack Hildyard, whose cinematography adds tantalizing visual flavor to the film's African setting. This is compounded by the compelling and unmistakably rousing score from Roy Budd, which reinforces the film's fearless, daring ambiance.

The Wild Geese, at its core, is a high-stakes adventure film, packed with action and stellar performances from its veteran lineup of stars. The movie skillfully matches its explosive drama with a reflection on the complexities of mercenary life and the global influences of colonialism and geopolitics. This film is a must-watch for fans of old-school war films and admirers of Burton, Moore, and Harris, who provide unforgettable performances in this gritty, thought-provoking action drama.