Already something of a novelty simply by being the first German film to grace the Cannes Film Festival's official competition selection in 11 years, "The Edukators" exudes its own quirky self-confidence as it deals with three twentysomethings who are determined to change the world by non-violent methods.

The trio's tactics involve such merry pranks as breaking into luxury houses, then simply rearranging the furniture--expensive stereo in the fridge, artwork in the toilet--until they hatch a plan to kidnap the manager of a top company. The deed, which happens almost by accident, brings them in to close contact with the very values they so despise. It turns out their victim is not quite the epitome of bourgeois self-satisfaction they had imagined, but rather boasts a rebellious past of his own to be taken into account.

Director and co-screenwriter Hans Weingarten agilely plays the generations against each other, tapping in strongly to the sentiment prevalent among today's would-be rebels that it's all been done before. The film has a jaunty and intelligent wit, while the performances of the trio (Daniel Bruehl, Julia Jentsch and Stipe Erceg) are neatly nuanced and full of youthful bravado and swagger. Bruehl, in particular, who made a big impression in "Good Bye Lenin," clearly has a bright future. Starring Daniel Bruehl, Julia Jentsch, Stipe Erceg and Burghart Klaussner. Directed by Hans Weingartner. Writen by Katharina Held and Hans Weingartner. Produced by Hans Weingartner and Antonin Svoboda. An IFC release. Comedy/Drama. German-language; subtitled. Rated R for language, a scene of sexuality, and some drug use. Running time: 126 min