Film Overview"Wild Geese II" is a 1985 British action thriller film orchestrated by the prominent director Peter Hunt. The movie acts as a sequel to the iconic 1978 motion picture "The Wild Geese". Nevertheless, it does not share the original's plot or characters and is an independent story.
Plot OutlineThe story orbits the lead character, Alex Faulkner (played by Scott Glenn), a mercenary worked with to release the infamous Nazi war criminal Rudolf Hess (Laurence Olivier) from Berlin's Spandau Prison. Rudolf holds secretive records that could expose and threaten the presence of various world federal governments. A television station owned by John Haddad (Edward Fox) uses Faulkner to ensure these secrets are exposed openly. However, as one might expect, this mission is no cinch and requires considerable dangers.
Alexander, with his accomplices, consisting of a group of contractors, plots a daring method to infiltrate the greatly secured Spandau jail. He attempts to complimentary Hess, on the other hand, dealing with many obstacles in the form of the governing bodies, including the CIA, the Soviet KGB, and the British MI6, who are desperate to stop him to safeguard their secrets.
Characterization and PerformancesScott Glenn provides an admirable performance as Alex Faulkner, demonstrating the character's proficiency, resourcefulness, and perseverance to significant impact. On the other hand, the famous Laurence Olivier, who represents Rudolf Hess, provides a compelling screen existence, regardless of the shackles of age. Cec Verrell and Barbara Carrera, who portray Kathy Lukas and Kathy Lukas respectively, include more depth to the plot with their layered performances.
Technical Aspects and DirectionPeter Hunt's instructions is notable with carefully crafted action series and well-plotted suspense. The sterling efforts of Alan Hume, the director of photography, boost the overall cinematic experience. Hume's work offers the film with a stylish charm, capturing the Curzon Street Station's last face-off and the Spandau Prison with extraordinary finesse.
Critical ReceptionDespite the appealing core plot idea and noteworthy efficiencies, "Wild Geese II" experienced a lukewarm response from the audience and critics after its release. Many felt it fell short of its predecessor in regards to pace, tension, and overall storytelling. The enthusiastic plot of the film was appreciated, yet the execution and the uncomfortable mix of serious political saga and extravagant action were criticized.
Conclusion"Wild Geese II" can best be described as a bold effort at a politically caused action movie. While the motion picture has its share of predicaments and flaws, it is filled with robust action scenes, appealing story, and remarkable cast performances. Nevertheless, even with its captivating property of a treacherous objective involved with international conspiracies, it did not reach the epitome of success it aimed for, living under the shadow of its more successful predecessor.
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