Does history repeat itself? As much as we try to learn from past mistakes, do we really?

It's 1969, and Ben Ross teaches high school history in California. While teaching his class about the atrocities of WWII, they watch a film that shows the torment and death the Jews faced during the war. The class is astonished - and a little taken aback. Some cannot believe the devastation and others think that it is in the past, and couldn't possibly happen again. One student asks "Why?". Why did this happen? HOW did it happen? How could thousands of soldiers follow the orders of one little man? How can so many Germans claim not to know what was going on?

In order to help the students understand the answers to these questions, Mr. Ross sets up an experiment for the class. He starts a new movement called "The Wave" ... essentially highlighting Community, Discipline, and Action. The football team joins to try to get more wins and be a more cohesive unit. Kids that are usually social outcasts and unpopular join because they are now equal to all the others and not ostracized. Even Mr. Ross is enjoying the obedience and increased hard work he is getting as a result of his strong leadership.

But two students are a little wary of the whole movement. Is this really as good as everyone is making it seem? Is the greater good of the whole always better than the individual?

Based on a true story!