Wave, The

Synopsis: Film dramatisation, transposed to modern-day Germany, of an actual experiment in which American high school teacher Ron Jones attempted to engage his students in politics, by taking the controversial decision to turn the classroom into a Nazi-style dictatorship. But what starts out as an innocent social experiment ends in tragedy when the roots of fascism begin to take hold of the students. Before long, notions of discipline and community give way to more sinister methods of intimidation and violence as the movement grows in power. Can the teacher quell the wave before it engulfs the entire school? Based on actual events, THE WAVE is a gripping drama that delves deep into the fascist mindset, exposing all its flaws and contradictions through the characters’ newly-adopted behaviours and attitudes.

DVD extras: making-of trailer
Language: German (Standard) (German with English subtitles)
Country: Germany
Year of release: 2008
Year of production: 2008
Notes: A talk by Ron Jones who ran the actual experiment is available for sale on DVD from Jones/Kirksen-Molloy Productions (http://www.outspokenideas.com/html/the_wave.html)
Subjects: Psychology
Keywords: conformity; Fascism; Nazi Germany; obedience; group dynamics

Director

Dennis Gansel

Cast

Jurgen Vogel

This record has been viewed 451 times.

British Universities Film & Video Council