Year: 1971
Runtime: 100 min
Language: English
Director: Gordon Parks
A seasoned detective, John Shaft, finds himself embroiled in a dangerous mission when a prominent crime boss asks for his help. The boss's daughter has been kidnapped, and Shaft must navigate a complex web of corruption to rescue her. Utilizing his skills and determination, he confronts ruthless adversaries and uncovers a treacherous underworld of deceit while seeking justice.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Shaft yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Trace every key event in Shaft (1971) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 13:19
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Hard-boiled heroes take on a corrupt city to deliver their own brand of justice.If you liked the cool, street-smart action of Shaft, you'll enjoy these movies. This collection features determined heroes, gritty city settings, and fast-paced stories of vigilante justice against corrupt systems, perfect for fans of classic pulp thrillers.
These stories typically follow a skilled but unconventional hero who is pulled into a high-stakes conflict, often involving kidnapping, extortion, or a personal vendetta. The plot unfolds rapidly as the protagonist moves through a dangerous underworld, facing off against powerful adversaries in a series of tense confrontations, culminating in a decisive and satisfying victory for the underdog.
Movies are grouped here for their shared aesthetic of a stylish, urban crime story centered on a charismatic vigilante. They excel at delivering a specific mix of tense action, gritty atmosphere, and a cathartic, justice-serving conclusion that feels earned.
A single determined man takes on an entire criminal conspiracy against overwhelming odds.Fans of Shaft will appreciate these stories of a lone protagonist battling a powerful criminal organization. These films share a tense, high-stakes mood where one determined individual uses their skills to dismantle a corrupt network, offering a satisfying narrative of resilience and victory.
The narrative pattern involves a clear, personal catalyst—like a kidnapping or murder—that forces the protagonist to act. They methodically investigate and disrupt the criminal operation, often facing betrayals and escalating violence. The journey is linear and goal-oriented, emphasizing the hero's competence and tenacity as they punch their way to the top of the food chain to confront the main villain.
These films are connected by the core fantasy of individual agency and competence triumphing over organized evil. They provide a cathartic experience through a straightforward, action-heavy plot where the hero's determination is the primary engine driving the story to a conclusive, happy ending.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Shaft in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Shaft is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Shaft, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Shaft. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Shaft that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Shaft: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Shaft that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Shaft (1971) Plot Summary & Movie Recap
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