The Wave

Most people should have already heard of the high school class in California in the '60s which created and nearly lost control of a fascist movement as part of a class project. And while several dramatizations have been made of those events, its hard to imagine any of them topping this German interpretation.

There are some obvious creative licenses taken with the story; the writers give in easily to the instinct to bring the Nazi government into the mix, and in this case it's warranted. And the story tends to diverge from the actual events the farther the film progresses. But a top notch cast and good direction retain the message even if the actual events stray towards fantasy.

Especially fine is the work of the lead actor, and his slow and unintentional descent into acceptance of his new role as leader. Which is not to say the younger actors don't hold their own, as there isn't a bad performance in the bunch.

Crisp cinematography finds many beautiful shots in the surroundings of a modern German city, and the direction and pacing are snappy enough that there's not a dull moment.