Die Welle (The Wave, 2008). Context: A high school teacher conducts an experiment to demonstrate the appeal of authoritarianism. Illustration: The feedback given by the teacher to students – and among students themselves – remains focused on behavior and group performance, not on individual personalities. The film explores the consequences of depersonalized, performance-based evaluation in a group dynamic.
the wrong way
“Don’t take it the wrong way.” Meaning: Acknowledges that feedback might feel personal and encourages the recipient to see the positive intent behind it.
homeless salesman
In Pursuit of Happyness (2006). Based on a true story, this film shows the struggles of a homeless salesman (Will Smith) who faces constant challenges and feedback on his performance. The emotional resilience required to process and grow from feedback is a central theme, illustrating the personal impact of professional evaluation.
Captain Holt
Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Context: Police procedural comedy. Illustration: Captain Holt’s feedback, while often deadpan, is ultimately personal and supportive, and the show frequently explores how praise, criticism, and mentorship affect the officers’ confidence and relationships.
self-esteem and identity
The Devil Wears Prada (2006). The movie portrays a young assistant (Anne Hathaway) under a demanding boss (Meryl Streep). Feedback is often harsh and personal, affecting the protagonist’s self-esteem and identity. It highlights how feedback in American workplaces can be emotionally charged and closely tied to personal development.
career trajectories
Mad Men. Context: Follows the lives of advertising executives in 1960s New York. Illustration: Feedback on creative work is highly personal, often delivered in emotionally charged meetings. Characters’ self-esteem and career trajectories are closely linked to the praise or criticism they receive from superiors and clients.
Leslie Knope
Parks and Recreation. Context: Centers on the Parks Department of a small town. Illustration: Leslie Knope, the main character, gives and receives feedback that is always considerate of feelings and personal growth. The show highlights how encouragement, recognition, and even constructive criticism are tailored to the individual, reinforcing bonds and motivation.
affects lives and emotions
Up in the Air (2009). This film centers on a corporate downsizer (George Clooney) whose job is to fire employees. It poignantly explores the emotional vulnerability of those receiving such feedback and the human side of corporate decisions, emphasizing how feedback – especially negative – deeply affects individuals’ lives and emotions.
fragile mother
Good Bye, Lenin! (2003). Context: A son tries to protect his fragile mother from the truth about the fall of the Berlin Wall. Illustration: Although the film is comedic and emotional, scenes involving hospital staff, government officials, and bureaucrats consistently show feedback and communication that is formal, factual, and impersonal, especially in professional contexts.