The Wild Geese Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Wild Geese.
The Wild Geese Ending Explained: A British multinational company seeks to overthrow a vicious dictator in central Africa. Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, this 1978 action film stars Richard Burton (Col. Allen Faulkner), alongside Richard Harris as Capt. Rafer Janders, Roger Moore as Lt. Shawn Fynn, Hardy Krüger as Lt. Pieter Coetze. With a 6.8/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Wild Geese?
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.
Andrew V. McLaglen's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Richard Burton (Col. Allen Faulkner)'s journey. 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.
As part of the The Wild Geese Collection, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.
How Does Richard Burton (Col. Allen Faulkner)'s Story End?
- Richard Burton: Richard Burton's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Richard Harris (Capt. Rafer Janders): Richard Harris's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Roger Moore (Lt. Shawn Fynn): Roger Moore's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Wild Geese Mean?
The Wild Geese's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Richard Burton may feel rushed. Andrew V. McLaglen's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.