Watch Higher Learning

The movie "Higher Learning" is a drama film released in 1995, directed by John Singleton. The film examines the different college experiences of various students and touches on issues that are still relevant today. The cast includes Omar Epps, Kristy Swanson, Michael Rapaport, Ice Cube, Jennifer Connelly, and Laurence Fishburne. The movie starts with the arrival of three freshmen, Kristin (Swanson), Malik (Epps), and Remy (Rapaport), at the fictional, diverse Columbus University. Kristin is a conservative student who is initially shocked by the attitudes and behaviors of her more liberal classmates. Malik is an African American athlete who starts to feel alienated on campus, and Remy is a lonely and disturbed white student who finds himself drawn into a neo-Nazi group.

The film addresses various subjects such as racism, sexism, identity politics, affirmative action, gun violence, and police brutality. The film also examines the conflicts that arise between students, professors, and administrators due to the past and present societal issues. For instance, Malik eventually joins a group of politically active black students and becomes embroiled in a protest over affirmative action. Meanwhile, Professor Phipps (Fishburne) attempts to teach his students about the racist history of America and the importance of self-respect and identity.

As the story progresses, the characters' lives become increasingly intertwined, with tragic and dramatic results. Eventually, Remy's descent into violence leads to a mass shooting on the Columbus University campus, forcing all the characters to confront their own biases and misjudgments.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release but has gained recognition over time for the issues it tackles and its portrayal of college life. The performances of the diverse cast are generally praised, with particular emphasis on Fishburne's portrayal of Professor Phipps, who tries to guide his students through the varied and difficult situations that they encounter.

In conclusion, "Higher Learning" is a thoughtful and challenging film that uses the college setting to delve into the complex issues that face society today. The film is not an easy watch but makes the viewer confront the difficult realities of race and identity in America. With its powerful performances and its willingness to tackle controversial themes, it stands as a raw and honest depiction of the college experience.

Higher Learning is a 1995 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 54.