Wave, The

aka: Die Welle
Germany 2008, 101 minutes
Dir. Dennis Gansel
In German with English subtitles
Rating: [R16] Violence, offensive language & content that may disturb
Genres: Foreign Cinema, Suspense/Crime / Sociology

Topics: Educational Resource.

Feat. Jürgen Vogel, Frederick Lau, Max Riemelt, Jennifer Ulrich

Aroview: Based on a true incident in the US in the early 1970's to practically illustrate the machinations of Nazi propaganda, a school teacher's unorthodox experiment in teaching "autocracy" spins wildly out of control.

Made into a US "After School Special" telemovie in 1981, this version 'relocates' to contemporary Germany and it largely succeeds the ambitious transition. Though one would fully expect contemporary German kids to be somewhat savvy about the nature of Fascism, the film does well to push through implausibilities while its vivid portrayal of modern teen culture avoids pandering or condescension. Energized by sharp cutting, a propulsive soundtrack and a charismatic cast, this displays the new-found confidence of late German cinema, and is equally worthy as both educational tool and cathartic thriller.

NZ International Film Festival 2008