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      Higher Learning

      1995, Drama, 2h 7m

      41 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

      What to know

      Critics Consensus

      It's hard to fault Higher Learning's goals; unfortunately, writer-director John Singleton too often struggles to fit his themes within a consistently engaging story. Read critic reviews

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      Higher Learning  Photos

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      Movie Info

      In John Singleton's powerful portrait of college life in the 1990s, a group of incoming freshmen at Columbus University -- including varsity athlete Malik Williams (Omar Epps), awkward outcast Remy (Michael Rapaport) and wide-eyed Kristen Connor (Kristy Swanson) -- struggle to find themselves and adjust to newfound independence. When Remy finds acceptance among a group of neo-Nazis, tensions rise even higher on a campus already divided along racial, socio-economic and gender lines.

      • Rating: R

      • Genre: Drama

      • Original Language: English

      • Director: John Singleton

      • Producer: Paul Hall, John Singleton

      • Writer: John Singleton

      • Release Date (Theaters):  original

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Box Office (Gross USA): $36.8M

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: Columbia Pictures

      • Production Co: New Deal Productions, Columbia Pictures Corporation

      • Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

      Cast & Crew

      News & Interviews for Higher Learning

      Critic Reviews for Higher Learning

      Audience Reviews for Higher Learning

      • Jun 16, 2012

        heavy handed film that leads to racism and a predictably dull conclusion. full of interesting characters this sadly isn't as interesting as boys in the hood. the film is let down by its own director

        brendan n Super Reviewer
      • May 15, 2010

        This movie follows the university life of several multicultural students. There is high tension on the campus because of racism and violence. Young girls get raped and racial fights occur very often. This movie shows how wrong things can get if such issues aren't worked through and it basically tells you that every human being should have the basic human rights with no exeptions. I thought this movie was very good and it was great seeing these talented actors at such a young age.

        Super Reviewer
      • Oct 16, 2009

        I remember in late '94 or early '95 when I and about 5 other students were helping out a teacher outside of class in her room, and she asked what our favorite movie is currently. Two said "Higher Learning," two (one of them me) said "Speed," and one said something else. I never saw this movie until 2007, and while I still prefer "Speed," this really was an excellent movie. It deals with so many touchy subjects and is like a coming of age drama/crime film. It reminded me of going to high school and college and the struggles we go through while trying to find ourselves during those times. Definitely see this one.

        Super Reviewer
      • Sep 11, 2009

        This drama examines the personal, political, and racial dilemmas facing a group of college freshmen as they begin their first semester at Columbus University. Malik (Omar Epps) is an African-American student attending on a track scholarship; academics are not his strong suit, and he goes in thinking that his athletic abilities will earn him a free ride through college. Fudge (Ice Cube), a "professional student" who has been at Columbus for six years so far, becomes friendly with Malik and challenges his views about race and politics in America, while Professor Phipps (Laurence Fishburne), a black man who teaches political science, firmly tells Malik that he will not be graded on a different standard either because of his race or his ability to run quickly. With Deja (Tyra Banks), Malik finds a girlfriend, a tutor, and a training partner all rolled into one. Meanwhile, Kristen (Kristy Swanson), a somewhat naive young woman from California, meets a boy named Billy (Jay R. Ferguson) after both have had too much to drink at a beer blast; Kristen soon becomes a victim of date rape and becomes involved with a campus feminist group to deal with the painful experience. While working with the women's group, Kristen gets to know Taryn (Jennifer Connelly), a strong but understanding woman who is also a lesbian, and she finds herself becoming attracted to her. And Remy (Michael Rappaport) is a confused young man from the Midwest who feels lost in the multi-cultural atmosphere of Columbus. He is approached by Scott (Cole Hauser), a member of a group of racist skinheads, who believe that Remy is a perfect candidate to help carry out his group's violent goals. Keep an eye peeled for Gwyneth Paltrow, who has a bit part as a student; rap stars Busta Rhymes, D-Knowledge and Mista Grimm also appear in supporting roles.

        Super Reviewer

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