Powerful lessons to be learnt (Higher Learning (DVD))

Name: gfunkhero

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Product:	Higher Learning (DVD)
Date:	03.07.03 (72 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Thought-provoking, Excellent cast, Well shot

Disadvantages: Slightly tedious at times

John Singleton's third feature film is a complex and compelling piece. Singleton's first two films, the critically acclaimed "Boyz in tha Hood" and "Poetic Justice, were mainly concerned with inner-city black society, however "Higher Learning" discusses a wide range of issues; individuality, importance of education, political correctness, sexual identity, labels, personal responsability and racial tension, and confirms Singleton's aptitude for social commentary.

The pictiure focuses mostly on members of an incoming freshman class at ficticious Colombus University, in particular 3 very different students: Malik (Omar Epps), a politically uninformed black runner on a sports scolarship; Kristen (Kristy Swanson), a naive white girl from the rich suburbs; and Remy (Michael Rapaport), a loner from Idaho. Malik instantly has difficulty settling into life at Columbus, having difficulties with his running coach and his Politics teacher, Professor Fipps (Lawrence Fishbourne). He is convinced by Fudge (Ice Cube), a black extremist, that all his difficulties lie with the racism found inside the campus community and in society as a whole. Kristy comes into her own after becoming the victim of a rape attack. Initially naive and simple, she suddenly begins to explores her sexuality with both male and female lovers. Remy has difficulty finding his place in campus and becomes isolated. He becomes drawn into the dark world of neo-nazism. The tension on campus becomes obvious with everybody opting to "stick to their own", and violent racial clashes quickly follow.

The cast is extremely strong. Lawrence Fishbourne is paticularly good as the jamaican academic Fipps. He recognises the dangers of a lack of integration and attempts to highlight the potential problems to the stubborn youth. Michael Rapaport is also very convincing as the social misfit Remy. The support includes Jennifer Conelly, Regi
na King, B
usta Rhymes, Jason Wiles and Tyra Banks.

Summary: