The Wild Geese

  • 1978
  • R
  • 134m
movieMx RATING
6.8
281
VERDICT
HIT
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The Wild Geese Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 15, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 15, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: The Wild Geese

MovieThe Wild Geese
Release Year1978
DirectorAndrew V. McLaglen
GenreAction
Runtime134 minutes (2h 14m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Wild Geese (1978) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in The Wild Geese are led by Richard Burton . The supporting cast, including Richard Harris and Roger Moore , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of The Wild Geese (1978) is generally positive—a solid choice for fans of the genre. With a platform rating of 6.8/10, it currently stands as a HIT in our database.

What Works in the Movie

The Wild Geese stands out as a strong entry in the Action genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.

  • Compelling performances from the main cast
  • Strong visual storytelling and direction
  • Well-structured Action narrative
  • Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, The Wild Geese has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Action fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: The Wild Geese

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1978, The Wild Geese is a Action film directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, written by Reginald Rose. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As part of the The Wild Geese Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Richard Burton as Col. Allen Faulkner.

Ending Explained: 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.

The Wild Geese Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is The Wild Geese Based on a True Story?

No, The Wild Geese is a work of fiction. While the action film directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and starring Richard Burton may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.

Who Should Watch The Wild Geese?

Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Richard Burton or the director
  • Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection

Box Office Collection: The Wild Geese

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $11.6M
Worldwide Gross $9.9M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

The Wild Geese Budget

The estimated production budget for The Wild Geese is $11.6M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Where to Watch The Wild Geese Online?

Streaming Hub

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🏷️ Buy on

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The Wild Geese Parents Guide & Age Rating

1978 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Wild Geese age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Wild Geese is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Wild Geese (1978) is 134 minutes (2h 14m). Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, the film runs for 134 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Wild Geese is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1978 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for The Wild Geese. Rating: 6.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Wild Geese worth watching?

The Wild Geese is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Wild Geese parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Wild Geese identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of The Wild Geese (1978)?

The runtime of The Wild Geese (1978) is 134 minutes (approximately 2h 14m).

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.8
The Wild Geese
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