Evil is something that you learn|Mar. 11, 2008|Germany|107 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Drama;Thriller
Description: The Wave is a 2008 film that tells the story of Rainer Wenger, a history teacher who is assigned to teach a class on autocracy despite his anarchist beliefs. His students, belonging to the post-World War II generation, are skeptical that a dictatorship could emerge in modern Germany. To demonstrate how easily people can be manipulated, Wenger begins an experiment. He introduces strict rules, such as requiring students to address him formally and assigning seating based on academic performance. He encourages unity through activities like synchronized marching and suggests wearing uniforms to eliminate social distinctions.
The group adopts the name “The Wave” and grows increasingly cohesive. However, some students, like Mona and Karo, voice concerns about losing individuality and the group’s authoritarian tendencies. Despite their objections, the majority of the class embraces the experiment, with former bullies reforming and defending a marginalized classmate. Tim, an outcast, becomes deeply attached to the group, even burning his branded clothes to reject corporate influence.
As the experiment progresses, Karo and Mona protest the group’s actions, recognizing parallels to fascism. Mona eventually withdraws from the project, but the rest of the class remains committed, failing to see the connection. The film explores themes of conformity, manipulation, and the ease with which authoritarianism can take hold in society.
Cast director: Dennis Gansel
Cast actor: Jürgen Vogel, Frederick Lau, Max Riemelt, Jennifer Ulrich, Christiane Paul, Elyas M’Barek, Cristina do Rego, Jacob Matschenz, Maximilian Vollmar, Tim Oliver Schultz
Original name: Die Welle