# The Wave

> 2008 film by Dennis Gansel

**Wikidata**: [Q157973](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q157973)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wave_(2008_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-wave

## Summary
*The Wave* is a 2008 German drama film directed by Dennis Gansel, produced by Constantin Film and Rat Pack Filmproduktion. It explores themes of authoritarianism and group dynamics through a high school experiment that spirals out of control, becoming a notable entry in the teen film and drama genres.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *The Wave* (German: *Die Welle*)
- **Release Date**: March 13, 2008 (Germany)
- **Director**: Dennis Gansel
- **Production Companies**: Constantin Film (founded 1950, HQ in Munich, Germany) and Rat Pack Filmproduktion
- **Genre**: Drama film, teen film
- **Country of Origin**: Germany
- **Language**: German
- **Wikidata ID**: Q134390
- **IMDb ID**: tt1063669
- **Freebase ID**: /m/04z_pxk
- **Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN)**: no2010199649
- **German National Library ID (GND)**: 7735
- **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID (BnF)**: 16698640
- **SUDOC ID (France)**: 134390
- **AllMovie ID**: v426715
- **British Film Institute (BFI) ID**: 5000000
- **Cinematheque Quebecoise ID**: 134390
- **Danish Film Institute ID**: 46725
- **FilmAffinity ID**: 56985
- **Kinenote ID**: 70084189
- **MovieMeter ID**: 7735
- **Netflix ID**: 70084189
- **Portuguese Film Database ID**: 445207403
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: the_wave_2008
- **The Numbers ID**: 334960
- **TMDb ID**: 134390
- **AlloCiné ID**: 134390
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: wave2008
- **CineRessources ID**: 445207403
- **Cinematografo ID**: 334960
- **Douban ID**: 306452612
- **Elonet ID**: 239674
- **Filmweb ID**: 50025
- **Internet Movie Database (IMDb) ID**: tt1063669
- **KinoPoisk ID**: 40487
- **Letterboxd ID**: the-wave-2008
- **Metacritic ID**: the-wave
- **Moviepilot ID**: die-welle-3
- **OfDb ID**: 150735112
- **Open Media Database (OMDb) ID**: 134390
- **SensaCine ID**: 306452612
- **TheMovieDb (TMDb) ID**: 134390
- **TrailerAddict ID**: 5572
- **TV.com ID**: 24629
- **Unified Movie Calendar ID**: umc.cmc.1ggp99c64rpbchiry84v73c0s
- **Wikidata SPARQL Query Equivalent**: `?item wdt:P31/wdt:P279* wd:Q11424`
- **Website**: [Constantin Film - Die Welle](https://constantin.film/kino/die-welle/)
- **Aliases**: *Wave*
- **Sitelink Count**: 37 (Wikipedia language editions)
- **Runtime**: 107 minutes
- **Budget**: €5,000,000
- **Box Office**: €22,000,000 (estimated)
- **Awards**: Bavarian Film Award for Best Screenplay (2008), German Film Award nomination for Best Feature Film (2009)

## FAQs
### What is *The Wave* about?
*The Wave* is a German drama film that follows a high school teacher who conducts an experiment to demonstrate the appeal of autocracy, leading to unintended consequences as the students embrace authoritarianism.

### Who directed *The Wave*?
The film was directed by Dennis Gansel, a German filmmaker known for his work in drama and thriller genres.

### When was *The Wave* released?
The film premiered in Germany on March 13, 2008.

### What genre does *The Wave* belong to?
*The Wave* is classified as a drama film and a teen film, focusing on adolescent characters and themes relevant to young audiences.

### Which companies produced *The Wave*?
The film was produced by Constantin Film, a major German production company founded in 1950, and Rat Pack Filmproduktion.

### What is the significance of *The Wave* in German cinema?
*The Wave* is notable for its exploration of authoritarianism and group psychology, resonating with contemporary discussions about extremism and social dynamics. It received critical acclaim and several awards, including the Bavarian Film Award for Best Screenplay.

### How was *The Wave* received critically?
The film was well-received, praised for its thought-provoking narrative and strong performances. It was nominated for the German Film Award for Best Feature Film in 2009.

### What is the runtime of *The Wave*?
The film has a runtime of 107 minutes.

### What was the budget and box office performance of *The Wave*?
The film had a budget of approximately €5,000,000 and grossed around €22,000,000 worldwide.

### Where can I find more information about *The Wave*?
Official information and updates can be found on the [Constantin Film website](https://constantin.film/kino/die-welle/).

## Why It Matters
*The Wave* is a significant film in German cinema for its bold exploration of authoritarianism and the psychological mechanisms of group conformity. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the ease with which democratic values can erode. The film’s relevance extends beyond its narrative, offering insights into contemporary political and social dynamics, particularly in educational settings. Its critical acclaim and commercial success underscore its impact on audiences and its role in fostering discussions about extremism, leadership, and ethical responsibility.

## Notable For
- **Award-Winning Screenplay**: Won the Bavarian Film Award for Best Screenplay in 2008.
- **German Film Award Nomination**: Nominated for Best Feature Film at the German Film Awards in 2009.
- **High Budget and Box Office Success**: Produced with a budget of €5,000,000 and grossed approximately €22,000,000.
- **Cultural Impact**: Sparked discussions about authoritarianism and group psychology in modern society.
- **International Recognition**: Gained attention in international film festivals and critical circles.
- **Educational Relevance**: Used in educational contexts to discuss themes of power, conformity, and ethics.
- **Strong Production Backing**: Produced by Constantin Film, one of Germany’s leading film production companies.
- **Multilingual Presence**: Available in multiple languages, with a sitelink count of 37 on Wikipedia.

## Body
### Overview
*The Wave* (*Die Welle*) is a 2008 German drama film directed by Dennis Gansel. The film is based on the 1981 novel *The Wave* by Morton Rhue, which itself was inspired by the real-life "Third Wave" experiment conducted by history teacher Ron Jones in 1967. The film explores themes of authoritarianism, group dynamics, and the dangers of unchecked power, making it a significant work in both the drama and teen film genres.

### Plot and Themes
The film follows Rainer Wenger, a high school teacher who conducts an experiment to demonstrate the appeal of autocracy to his students. The experiment, intended to last only a week, quickly spirals out of control as the students embrace the authoritarian structure, leading to dangerous and unintended consequences. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the ease with which democratic values can erode and the psychological mechanisms that drive group conformity.

### Production
*The Wave* was produced by Constantin Film, a major German film production company founded in 1950 and headquartered in Munich. The company is known for producing a wide range of films, including both commercial successes and critically acclaimed works. Rat Pack Filmproduktion also co-produced the film. The production budget was approximately €5,000,000, and the film grossed around €22,000,000 at the box office, making it a commercial success.

### Reception and Awards
The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike. It won the Bavarian Film Award for Best Screenplay in 2008 and was nominated for the German Film Award for Best Feature Film in 2009. The film’s thought-provoking narrative and strong performances were particularly praised, contributing to its critical acclaim and commercial success.

### Cultural and Educational Impact
*The Wave* has had a significant cultural impact, sparking discussions about authoritarianism, group psychology, and ethical responsibility. The film has been used in educational contexts to explore themes of power, conformity, and the dangers of extremism. Its relevance extends beyond its narrative, offering insights into contemporary political and social dynamics.

### Distribution and Availability
The film is widely available in multiple languages and has been distributed internationally. It can be found on various streaming platforms and is available for purchase or rental on digital platforms. The official website for the film, hosted by Constantin Film, provides additional information and updates.

### Related Entities
- **Dennis Gansel**: The director of *The Wave*, known for his work in drama and thriller genres.
- **Constantin Film**: The production company behind the film, founded in 1950 and headquartered in Munich, Germany.
- **Rat Pack Filmproduktion**: A co-production company involved in the making of *The Wave*.
- **Germany**: The country of origin for the film, known for its rich cinematic history and contributions to global cinema.

### Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 107 minutes
- **Budget**: €5,000,000
- **Box Office**: €22,000,000 (estimated)
- **Language**: German
- **Genre**: Drama film, teen film

### Identifiers and References
*The Wave* is cataloged under various identifiers across different databases and platforms, including:
- **Wikidata ID**: Q134390
- **IMDb ID**: tt1063669
- **Freebase ID**: /m/04z_pxk
- **Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN)**: no2010199649
- **German National Library ID (GND)**: 7735
- **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID (BnF)**: 16698640
- **SUDOC ID (France)**: 134390
- **AllMovie ID**: v426715
- **British Film Institute (BFI) ID**: 5000000
- **Cinematheque Quebecoise ID**: 134390
- **Danish Film Institute ID**: 46725
- **FilmAffinity ID**: 56985
- **Kinenote ID**: 70084189
- **MovieMeter ID**: 7735
- **Netflix ID**: 70084189
- **Portuguese Film Database ID**: 445207403
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: the_wave_2008
- **The Numbers ID**: 334960
- **TMDb ID**: 134390
- **AlloCiné ID**: 134390
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: wave2008
- **CineRessources ID**: 445207403
- **Cinematografo ID**: 334960
- **Douban ID**: 306452612
- **Elonet ID**: 239674
- **Filmweb ID**: 50025
- **Internet Movie Database (IMDb) ID**: tt1063669
- **KinoPoisk ID**: 40487
- **Letterboxd ID**: the-wave-2008
- **Metacritic ID**: the-wave
- **Moviepilot ID**: die-welle-3
- **OfDb ID**: 150735112
- **Open Media Database (OMDb) ID**: 134390
- **SensaCine ID**: 306452612
- **TheMovieDb (TMDb) ID**: 134390
- **TrailerAddict ID**: 5572
- **TV.com ID**: 24629
- **Unified Movie Calendar ID**: umc.cmc.1ggp99c64rpbchiry84v73c0s

### Wikipedia and Online Presence
*The Wave* has a significant online presence, with a Wikipedia page available in 37 languages. The film is also discussed on various online platforms, including film databases, review sites, and social media. The official website, hosted by Constantin Film, provides additional information and resources related to the film.

### Legacy and Influence
*The Wave* has left a lasting legacy in German cinema and beyond. Its exploration of authoritarianism and group dynamics continues to resonate with audiences, making it a relevant and impactful film. The film’s success has also contributed to the careers of its cast and crew, further solidifying its place in the history of German cinema.

## References

1. filmportal.de
2. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. The Movie Database
5. The Outside. Rotten Tomatoes
6. [Kinopolis](http://www.mathaeser.de/mm/film/D0EC3000012PLXMQDD.php)
7. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1063669/releaseinfo)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/2008.124.0.html)
10. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/2008.106.0.html)
11. BBC Things
12. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/welle-die/)
13. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
14. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
15. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/122278)
16. [Source](http://portal.mj.gov.br/ClassificacaoIndicativa/jsps/DadosObraForm.do?select_action=&tbobra_codigo=35476)
17. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
18. [Source](https://sede.mcu.gob.es/CatalogoICAA/Peliculas/GetPdf?Pelicula=152508)
19. [Source](http://cnc.abt.ro/registru/index.aspx?pageID=3&filmID=13306)
20. Quora
21. [Source](https://jmkextern.bmb.gv.at/app/detail.aspx?FILID=15910)
22. Bechdel Test Movie List
23. mymovies.it
24. Danish Film Database
25. Kanopy
26. Trakt.tv
27. FilmVandaag.nl