As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen, I must say that The Wild Geese is a cinematic gem that truly stands out. Having watched my fair share of films set during tumultuous periods in history, I can confidently assert that this action-packed masterpiece is a cut above the rest.
In the year 2010, the release of the movie The Expendables seemed like every action movie enthusiast’s fantasy, with its lineup of popular stars from the box office’s action hero era. Ranging from Sylvester Stallone to Jet Li and Jason Statham, The Expendables truly lived up to expectations in terms of attracting big audiences and providing intense action scenes. Notably similar in theme to a 1978 film titled The Wild Geese, the plot revolves around a team of veteran mercenaries who come out of retirement for one final mission against a corrupt foreign government.
Under the leadership of an illustrious cast including Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris, and Hardy Kruger, “The Wild Geese” blended political suspense set against a turbulent African backdrop with pulse-pounding action. The narrative revolved around the retrieval of a dethroned African president and the covert machinations of businessmen influencing global affairs, a theme echoed in another film, “The Dogs of War” (released two years later), starring Christopher Walken. “The Wild Geese” emerged at a critical juncture in both world events and the cinematic spirit of the times.
A Continent in Transition
As a passionate film enthusiast, let me share my perspective on an era that left a profound impact on the global stage – the tumultuous 1970s, a time when Africa was grappling with its own rebirth. This period saw numerous African countries struggling through civil unrest, power transitions following the withdrawal of European colonial powers, and waves of revolutions and coups.
In the turbulent backdrop of history, I find myself recruited by the influential tycoon, Sir Edward Mattheson, to gather a band of skilled professionals for a daring mission: rescuing the overthrown African president, Julius Limbani, and rekindling the copper trade between Zembala and the UK. My team of mercenaries and I are thrust into the heart of Zembala, where we face off against the brutal regime of General Ndofa. The story unfolds with pulse-pounding action sequences that mirror real-life geopolitical struggles and African conflicts. Despite its focus on high-octane action, this film also serves as a poignant reflection on the proxy wars that were tearing through Africa during that time.
During the Cold War, it was common for foreign governments to employ mercenaries to meddle in global events, and this is evident in the movie “The Wild Geese”. Notably, East Germany and Cuba provided assistance to numerous revolutionary forces in Africa, including Mozambique and Angola. Characters from both nations appear in the film as military advisors, lending credibility to the claim that reality can often be more intriguing than fiction. Many scenes in “The Wild Geese” mirror the internal conflicts and struggles that occurred throughout the 1960s.
Capturing the End of Colonialism Through Celluloid
Representing a movie era that portrayed Africa’s turbulent transition from colonialism to self-governance during the 1970s, marked by both external and internal conflicts, was a common theme in many films. Some of these movies were more dramatic or sensational in their storylines and presentation, such as “The Wild Geese“. However, it wasn’t just this film that depicted this historically significant period; other productions also tackled this unique epoch.
1975 saw the release of “General Idi Amin Dada: A Self-Portrait,” an enthralling and uncensored documentary that vividly portrayed the oppressive rule of Uganda’s dictator. This film features interviews with Amin, who strives to maintain his public image, along with footage and commentary that reveal the brutal and inhumane nature of his regime. The documentary includes numerous accounts of mass executions and showcases Amin’s bravado on the global stage.
Indeed, numerous attempts were made to exploit the dramatic and disturbing aspects arising from conflicts over power and suppression. For instance, the 1966 Italian Mondo film, often called a “shockumentary,” titled Africa Addio, was later known as Africa: Blood and Guts in the United States. This film showcased graphic depictions of massacres and violence during the transition from colonial to self-rule. Another American shockumentary, Faces of Death II , highlights the mass execution of the Tolbert regime that was previously mentioned, serving as its sensational climax. To this day, documentaries like Vice’s The Cannibal Warlords of Liberia transport viewers to impoverished areas where such violent regimes and power-hungry individuals are bred.
Although primarily intended for entertainment, The Wild Geese delves deeply into themes of racism and exploitation perpetrated by foreign governments. These abuses didn’t just occur in Africa; they extended globally during this period. For instance, the Chilean president Salvador Allende was ousted by General Augusto Pinochet in a U.S.-supported coup, while the British installed the Shah of Iran to halt the spread of communism and safeguard significant business ventures.
Action on the World Stage and the Big Screen
In a speech given in Cape Town, South Africa, Robert F. Kennedy spoke about Apartheid, commenting that it’s both an advantage and a disadvantage to live during intriguing times. The movie “The Wild Geese” would not have been made if the African political climate hadn’t been what it was at the time. This film, known for its thrilling pace, abundant action, and outstanding performances by its star-studded cast, offers insights into subjects that are distant from our everyday experiences.
Though it didn’t garner much critical acclaim upon its debut, The Wild Geese can be recognized as a precursor to numerous influential action movies that draw inspiration from actual events. Its stellar cast and on-screen actions make it, along with similar films, crucial in highlighting world-shaping events through their portrayal. Stream now on Peacock, Tubi, and Freevee.
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2024-10-27 23:03