The Wild Geese (Blu-ray DVD Combo)

Great movie, adventure combat everything you need for an evening in.

A great cast was assembled here for this film: Richard Burton, Roger Moore, and Richard Harris certainly have all done better movies in their day, but it was their skills which made The Wild Geese enjoyable. Of the three, I think Harris comes off as the most sympathetic character; as his role is certainly the most fleshed out, his scenes with his young son are very poignant; and his talk with Faulkner (Burton) expressing his concerns the night before the mission show his fears and worries as not only a person, but as a father.Richard Burton's Falkner is a mercenary who is being offered a contract by millionaire industrialist Stewart Granger. He must assemble, train and equip a group of mercenaries to rescue Julius Limbani (Winston Ntshona), a peaceful, well-loved African leader who has been deposed in a military coup. Burton does the job, but when the job is finished he and his mercenaries find getting out of Africa a whole lot more than they bargained for.Roger Moore's Sean Finn is an enjoyable rogue, and adds a touch of humour to offset Burton's tough-guy leader role and Harris' over-thinking planner with a fondness for the 'underdog'.Of course action adventure is old hat for Roger Moore. He was in his prime as James Bond when The Wild Geese was done. But Moore shows he can be quite serious here. None of the tongue in cheek deadpan that characterizes a Bond film.The scenes dealing with the recruiting and training of the mercenaries come straight out of John Ford. So are the various types among the soldiers. Even the ones with the smallest of speaking parts are done so well, you can almost imagine their history with the unit as well as what they are like as men, as soldiers, as comrades.I really enjoyed Kenneth Griffith's portrayal of the openly gay Medical Orderly Arthur Witty. Yes he's certainly stereotypical, but the point is he's accepted by the men who really don't care about his sexual orientation when in a fight and the going gets rough. Additionally, he turns out to be quite the John Wayne - badd-ass type hero in the end when confronted by the Zimbas and is alone covering his comrades escape.The Wild Geese turned out to be very popular in its day, and Burton was going to do a sequel: Wild Geese II when he died in 1983. It might have been an interesting film had he done it since it would have paired him with Sir Laurence Olivier in that one.In the end The Wild Geese is a great action/adventure film to be certain, but it's also about something much more - its about loyalty, tradition, and camaraderie. These men may fight for money, but they are fanatically loyal to the unit created and to each other.As a final note worth mentioning, Joan Armatrading's title song: The Flight of the Wild Geese, is a great piece of work. Her lyrics are poignant, and the music is moving. When paired visually with the opening credits, it creates quite a stir of emotions, and the soundtrack to this movie is well worth the cost if you can find it.

Unfortunately, no subtitles, which for m e is not good. I can't make out the dialogue. It said in the ad. it was subtitled, but it isn't.

My main beef with this movie is the music. The music is downright terrible.Every scene has music that does zero justice to the movie. A lot of campy inappropriate military fare.For example, they are jumping out of the plane at night at the beginning of the mission into Africa. The music should be serious, intense, suspenseful. But the music they use sounds like something from a wacky military circus. Just really goofy sounding.The whole movie is like that. Bad, bad music in almost every scene, which ruins so much of the drama.Secondly, it's really violent. Sure, it's a war movie, but it's distastefully gory many times when it didn't really need to be. You're going to see a lot of people die in this movie in all kinds of awful ways. If you're watching with kids, this movie is not a good choice.Third, it's kind of a ridiculous premise. All these old men taking on a mission that even the toughest most trained young guys would have a hard time with. But these guys look like they are in their 60's and should be playing golf (except Roger Moore, who is coolest) and it's almost laughable.For anyone looking for a cool movie to watch tonight, I'd say skip Wild Geese. I'd suggest the far superior "The Sea Wolves" for something in the same era, and also featuring the awesome Roger Moore. The story is much better and way more interesting.Of course, if you really want something good stick to the classics like Guns of Navaronne, Where Eagles Dare, or Dirty Dozen. Even Force 10 from Navaronne is wayyyy better than this movie.I really wanted to like this movie since I like old war movies and I'm a fan of Roger Moore but seeing it once was more than enough and I can't recommend it.

This is absolutely in my top 5 films of all time. I would go as far to say it is my favourite 'War' action/drama, although it's narrative transcends that of your 'ordinary War film'. People may critise it for it's minimal 'budget' at the time, although this is contrary, it was pushed a lot of money it's way. Although Richard Burton was considered a little 'dried up', and Richard Harris wasn't getting much work at the time either, Roger Moore was riding the coat tails of Bond and at his professional peak. If you , like me, have a connection with this film, whether seeing it when you were younger, appreciating it's particualr visual settings, the soundtrack, the brilliant action sequences , then you will have undoubtably seen a truly unique film. In my opinion, this film is superior to The Dogs of War, which some critics compare it too, merely for the fact that it was better acted,a far better storyline, and of course was created a good 4 or 5 years before! I first saw The Wild Geese when I was about nine or ten, and this was the censored, televised version, on Anglia TV I think. I fell in love with it instantly, not really appreciating the depth of the plotline, or the incredible cast that were involved, but having grown up with it still close to my heart like an old friend, I have understood it's depiction, background, and the actors who portrayed the protagonists.The Wild Geese really deals with issues that weren't being thrown into the forefront of cinema media at that time during the mid to late seventies. Although it was apparent that during the sixties and early seventies, mercenaries were fighting private wars, toppling dictators, or creating coups on foreign soil, on behalf of some Rich Bureaucrat. No one was eager to take it to celluloid at this time, and The Wild Geese, in my opinion, was the first, and possibly only successful attempt at turning an unpublished novel, about 50 mercaneries, armed with little but their dignity, and survival, are thrown into a political playing field, or war zone in this case. A film from a book, not yet published, about an event that apparently happened.. a plane lands in Kulundi, with only one engine operational. Inside, what was left of a group of weary mercenaries, and a rescue attempt of a dying President.It became folklore, and that President was one Moise Tshombe, a genuine leader, aiming to bring solidarity to his people and the country in a time of conflict.The Wild Geese stars, as ever, enigmatic Richard Burton as Leuitenant Faulkner,one of his last roles, yet finest. Roger Moore as the rogueish, but charming Shawn Fynn, and Richard Harris as Rafer Janders, the brains and compassion behind the group. Hardy Kruger also joins the line up as a pennyless white South African, who wants to return to his homeland and buy a farm. The mission to him is personal, and there is some superb scripting between his character Peiter, and Julius Limbani, debating on the social and poitical situation in Africa at the time. It's really quite thought provoking, and still has an impact today, considering how the political landscape has changed in Africa since 1978.I also wanted to bring up the subject of a character called 'Whitty', the medic in the mercinary group, who is portayed as gay, yet done with real heart and humour, especially in a time when homosexuality was still quite taboo, but becoming more acceptable. I have read various negative reviews and damning comments from the media of the day, regarding it as having a racist tone. I really dont see the arguement for this in any way at all. If anything, if you closely follow the films storyline, and direction, it's obvious that the real message is one of change for Africa, to embrace both black and white. After all, they were rescuing a black man , from an oppressive black regime. In my opinion, it served as a platform to dare to address the issues in Africa, and give an honest view of how, not only were countries within the continent being manipulated by rich exporters and bankers, their own people were fighting and killing each other.These hired mercs were quite commonly used during the 60's and 70's in order to change the political tide. Yet the Wild Geese shows the human, emotional side to all of it, the reality of this kind of War.I was especially moved by the climactic ending. It never fails to bring me to tears. I'm not sure if it's because of the similarities it has with me and my Father, being an only child.The scene where we meet Rafer, and his son Emile for the first time is a really warm and settled scene, seeing the other side, the family man comfortable in his leisurely but meager lifestlyle, but ultimately making the decision to fight. Then forward, through the films various twists, diversions, and battles, the ending really tore me up!Highlights for me are (spoiler alert!!!) the training chapter, and all it's colourful language, the taking of the barracks and airport, the bridge attack, the dialogue between Peiter and Julius Limbani,and the powerful set up and deliverance of that infamous 'Vickers' machine gun and their escape!But most of all is the powerful final few scenes, (*Spoiler Alert*) for those 'travesty-laden' public who have yet to see it, Rafer's death, Faulkners revenge on the double crossing merchant Banker Matherson who offered the contract, and the moment with Emile.Earlier in the film, during the scene with Rafer and Emile, (father and son), I was also touched by the moment when Rafer shouts 'I love you' to Emile, and Emile only whispers is back, not knowing that would be the last time he would ever see him..but we as the viewer know the possibilities. I think this scene has a real connection with me. It's really sad...The blu ray version of this epic, glorious film is, all in all, not bad. I would say that there is definitely an improvemt in picture quality during the second half of the movie, most of the scenes in London are a little grainy in places. It is nice to see the film version complete, and uncensored, and the extra of the premiere is, disturbing, if not slightly embarrassing and intriguing. Not one for people with disabilities back in those days, with the attitude towards them, but nice to know the charities for The Society of Spastics (can't beleive this was acceptable back then!)are now the very reputable Mencap. I have yet to listen to all of the commentary, but great to hear the surviving members Roger Moore, and importantly, Lloyd, who produced the film, in the discussion.A lovely booklet companion comes with the DVD, giving some real historical information on the background of the film, and it's journey, from incarnation, to the big screen. And finally, as a bonus, you get the completed film Codename: Wildgeese. The 'unofficial' Italian born, sequel. I have yet to watch it..A classic epic film, something that everyone should watch at least once, twice and three times. THE WILD GEESE...THE BEST DAMN MERCENARIES IN THE BUSINESS!

Good

Saw this movie back in the day well put together with some good performances from established stars who seemed to enjoy themselves even though they were too old in reality for the part's.

For those old enough to remember, "The Wild Geese" was a staple of video shops back in the early 80's. I remember the big thick hard plastic case adorning the thick shelving of my local video store and rented it solely coz Roger Moore was in it. What followed was 100 mins of good ole british film making at it's best with some of it's finest thespians and ruffians put together to rescue an african leader who's been kidnapped by an african dictator. Double crossing,action,racism,a touching father and son relationship, it's all here, hell it even has Roger Moore force feeding a bag of heroin into a drug dealer! What more can you ask for!If you're a fan of the Expendables movies then this might be up your ally? Ok so Richard Burton and Richard Harris were never action stars per see, but they're pretty tough for men in their 50's and although Roger Moore was in the middle of his tenure as James Bond when this was made, he had just turned 50 when this went into production, he brings his light hearted charm to an otherwise serious action film.It's not upto par with action films these days,those under 18 might wonder what the fuss is all about, it's still a rollicking romp with a good story and decent acting ( something you can't accuse The Expendables movies of!)Arrows 1080p picture is fine if not amazing, some have criticised this for being below par and i admit it's not the best looking blu ra around but it's definitely an improvement on the DVD quality. The DTS 2.0 s/track is also good and weighty.The extra features include a commentary track with Roger Moore,producer Euan Lloyd and 2nd unit director John Glen who also worked as editor and Director on the Bond movies. There is also a rather amusing old fashioned feature on the premier of the film which was done in aid of the spastics society charity. here you'll see actors like Burton and co getting down on the dancefloor making utter fools of themselves! lolThe piece de resistance of the extra's though is the inclusion of the Italian unofficial sequel movie "Codename Wildgeese" not to be confused with the official sequel Wildgeese 2" which followed a few years later. Now i've seen a lot of people give this film a bad review, but if you're an Italian exploitation film fan like myself then you'll most likely love this. Yes it's cheesy and the dubbing substandard at times but this actually out actions the proper "Wild Geese" by some margin, huge explosions by the bucketload,machine gunfights,flame throwers it's all here and some of the model work is really quite impressive at times for a low budget movie. It's cast list is almost as impressive as "The Wild geese" - Lewis Collins ( hot off The Professionals TV series) Ernest Borgnine, Klaus Kinski and a long in the tooth but still cool Lee Van Cleef! as with all Italian films at the time, the film was shot with no sync sound, so all the voices were post dubbed. Collins,Borgnine and Van Cleef all dub their own voices but the rest are dubbed,Kinski's dubbing is terible giving him a plummy posh english accent!Codename- Wildgesse itelf spawned 2 sequels, "Comanado Leopold" and "The Commander" both again with Lewis Collins.The picture quality is ok and this is a DVD print of the film and not Blu-Ray encase you were wondering.I can't recommend the Blu ray enough, you get a great film and another good one as a bonus ! Recommended

Usually a recipe for disaster when you put so many big names together but they all play along nicely in this adrenaline fuelled tale of mercenaries and double cross. If you've seen it. watch it again. If you haven't seen it then watch it so you can watch again. Recommended.