Higher Learning

It was a new scholastic year at a California college, and freshmen like proud track star Malik (Omar Epps), trusting naif Kristen (Kristy Swanson), and reticent loner Remy (Michael Rapaport) were just trying to find their way. The unfolding weeks, however, would steep all three in such dilemmas as racism, sexism, date rape and campus unrest. John Singleton’s controversial, explosive ensemble social drama also stars Jennifer Connelly, Ice Cube, Regina King, Tyra Banks, and Laurence Fishburne. 127 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English; audio commentary; theatrical trailer.