The Wave Movie Cast, Plot and Everything to Know

Amy Renner

Last modified: Jan. 18, 2016

The Wave

Release Date: Thursday, June 9, 2011 Limited

Director: Dennis Gansel

Starring: Jurgen Vogel • Frederick Lau • Max Riemelt • Jennifer Ulrich • Christiane Paul

R Drama 1 hr, 47 m

3.83 / 5.0

68% WILL SEE 32% WON'T SEE

Rent or buy

Plot – What's the story about?

Plot: Germany today. During project week, high school teacher Rainer Wenger (Jürgen Vogel) comes up with an experiment in order to explain to his students how totalitarian governments work. A role-playing game with tragic results begins. Within a few days, what began with harmless notions like discipline and community builds into a real movement: The Wave. By the third day, the students start ostracizing and threatening others. When the conflict finally erupts into violence at an intramural water polo game, the teacher decides to break off the experiment. But it's too late.

Drama Thriller

Snap poll

Will you see The Wave?

68% of people who rated this movie are planning to watch it.

32% of people have indicated they do not plan to see this movie.

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Who stars in The Wave – Cast List

J
Jurgen Vogel
Iceman
F
Frederick Lau
... Tim Stoltefuss

Brick, Rising High
M
Max Riemelt
... Marco

The Matrix Resurrections, We Are the Night
J
Jennifer Ulrich
... Karo

We Are the Night
C
Christiane Paul
... Anke Wenger

American Sweatshop
J
Jacob Matschenz
... Dennis

Undine

Who is making The Wave – Crew List

A look at The Wave behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film's director Dennis Gansel last helmed Der Tiger and Berlin, I Love You. The film's writer Dennis Gansel last penned Der Tiger.

Director: Dennis Gansel
Screenwriter: Dennis Gansel

Studios: IFC Films
Production Company: Sundance Selects

Production – What we know about the The Wave

Key Facts

Language - German

Movie Filming Timeline: Production Status Updates

Dec 2004

Completed

Changed The Wave movie production status. The movie is ready for release.

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Additional Information

Parent Rating: R Restricted for some language and disaster images
Runtime: 1 hr, 47 m
Tagline: Not available
Also known as: Not available
Language: English

The Wave Trailers and Clips

The Wave

Theatrical Trailer

The Wave

German Trailer

The Wave Release Date: When was the film released?

The Wave was released in limited movie theaters on Thursday, June 9 , 2011. As a limited release, The Wave was shown in select movie theaters in major markets.

The Wave Digital Release Date

The Wave is coming out across all major streaming and cable platforms on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Digital rental or purchase allows you to instantly stream and download to watch anywhere and anytime on your favorite devices.