The film is a modernized adaptation of true events and previous literary works:
is a 2008 German socio-political thriller directed by Dennis Gansel that explores how easily fascist ideologies can take root in modern society . Set in a contemporary German high school, it follows a social experiment that spirals into a dangerous real-world movement. Historical and Literary Origins Die WelleMovie | 2008
During a project week on "Autocracy," high school teacher (played by Jürgen Vogel) is challenged by his students, who believe a dictatorship could never arise again in modern Germany. To prove them wrong, Wenger initiates a role-playing experiment: The film is a modernized adaptation of true
It is based on a 1967 experiment conducted by teacher Ron Jones in Palo Alto, California, who sought to demonstrate the psychological allure of the Nazi regime to his history students. To prove them wrong, Wenger initiates a role-playing
The movie draws from the 1981 novel The Wave by Todd Strasser (writing as Morton Rhue) and a 1981 U.S. TV special.
Director Dennis Gansel was partially inspired by his grandfather, a former member of the National Political Academy (NAPOLA), which helped him understand the "seduction and psychology" behind fascism. Plot Summary