The inclusion of an engrossing (yet expected) finale ensures that The Wave ends on an exceedingly positive note...

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 9, 2011

The Wave is top-heavy and light-footed, racing its winning idea-that fascism can still be attractive to some, even in modern Germany-past itself.

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | Jun 3, 2011

The Wave forces a confrontation with the seductive potential in all of us to abuse and be abused by the exercise of singular power in the name of good.

| May 27, 2011

"The Wave" feels overdetermined and ploddingly dramatized.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | May 26, 2011

Brilliantly written and directed, wonderfully performed by an ensemble cast, and haunting in its intensity

| Mar 14, 2009

It's a strong film but in the end a rather obvious one.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 19, 2008

This year's Lord Of The Flies.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 19, 2008

Thought-provoking stuff.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 19, 2008

A seductive, button-nudging probe of pack-frenzy mentality. Some credibility's lost in the rush to combustion point, but the brawny direction and convincing cast make this a gripping cautionary tale.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 19, 2008

Nevertheless, as a disturbing indictment of the course that could be taken by disaffected youth, The Wave makes a big splash.

| Sep 19, 2008

As it bounds along with its pumping rock playlist, you start to realise that the movie is predictable and slightly scared, and that it doesn't really make sense.

| Sep 19, 2008

Here is the winner of this week's No Shit Sherlock award: a prime example of the kind of film dead set on telling you what you know already.

| Original Score: 1/5 | Sep 19, 2008

It's an interesting and provocative idea somewhat marred by wretched performances from several of the kids and the same whiff of sanctimony and naivety that made The Edukators, another tiresomely right-on film from Germany, such a trial.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 19, 2008

An intriguing premise, well performed by the actors and engagingly directed by Gansel, suffers from a script that tries to pack too much into a single week and an ending that feels forced and didactic.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Sep 19, 2008

Still, the quicksilver editing and thumping score mean it's zippily put together, and an undeniable willingness to engage with a youthful audience is admirably inclusive.

| Original Score: 3/6 | Sep 19, 2008

A fascinating notion, convincingly realised.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 19, 2008

The film is persuasive that fascism can take root in any environment. Strong performances all the way.

| Original Score: 6/10 | Sep 18, 2008

Seductive and horrifying at the same time...The film opens with a rush of energy and doesn't let up.

Full Review | Jan 30, 2008