The Wave

Language: German                                               Year: 2008

Many of my favourite German films are set during the second world war or are depicting a struggle in the aftermath, most notably against the spread of Communism and the East/West German divide. This little gem is something slightly different. Although evoking themes of Nazism and fascism, this is a contemporary story.

After being given the task of teaching Autocracy during the schools annual project week, Rainer Wegner (played by Jurgen Vogel) decides to attempt a social experiment so the students can better understand life under a dictatorship. What starts out as a seemingly innocent, interesting examination, quickly veers off the rails and into an unmanageable, distressing state of affairs.

scary in its believability and a perfect exercise in the dangers of unsupervised authority. Vogel commands your attention as the passionate yet lamentable Rainer and is complimented by a great supporting cast of teenagers.

An entertaining picture but also an unnerving film that lingers in your memory long after viewing. With current struggles of countries fighting under oppressive dictatorships it couldn't be more relevant.