Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tense campus drama has violence, language, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Higher Learning
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
HIGHER LEARNING takes place on the campus of fictional Columbus University, following a new class of first-year students as they struggle to find their footing. Hopeful track star Malik (Omar Epps) questions why he has to "play the game," and why the game is so much harder for people of color than for White people. Kristen's (Kristy Swanson) life changes direction after she endures a trauma and decides to take action. Remy (Michael Rapaport) doesn't seem to fit in anywhere until he meets a group of neo-Nazi skinheads. Can any of the three get past the obstacles in their paths or change the institutions and systems that put them there?
Is It Any Good?
Director John Singleton turns his focus to prestigious universities, asking pointed questions about how these institutions perpetuate, or at least turn a blind eye to, important social issues. Higher Learning's large cast and some terrific performances explore the ways that race, gender, class, and more affect our interactions with each other and with the world at large
The strong cast goes a long way toward keeping the movie from getting too preachy even as it continues to push on issues like justice, fairness, diversity, privilege, and more. There are some frustrating gaps in the storytelling, especially with developing friendships among the characters. But teens and young adults, whatever their relationship to higher education will be, will find a lot of food for thought in this compelling movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Higher Learning. Is it too much? Is it realistic? Is watching it in movies different from other media like books, videos, games, etc.?
What about the strong language? Is it realistic, and does that matter?
How is campus drinking and drug use depicted? Is it glorified? Is it problematic? Why or why not?
How do characters model communication, perseverance, and curiosity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 11, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : July 3, 2001
- Cast : Omar Epps , Kristy Swanson , Ice Cube , Michael Rapaport
- Director : John Singleton
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 128 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Rated R for scenes of violence and sexuality, and for strong language.
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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