Shaft : At the Start of Blaxploitation.

This review focuses on the 1971 film *Shaft*, directed by Gordon Parks, which is recognized as a pioneering work in the Blaxploitation genre. The film features African American private investigator John Shaft, portrayed by Richard Roundtree, navigating Harlem’s criminal underworld with a blend of toughness, intelligence, and style, challenging racial and social norms of the era. *Shaft* is noted for its groundbreaking depiction of Black empowerment, urban life, and racial freedom, supported by a soundtrack from Isaac Hayes and J. J. Johnson. The 2022 Criterion Collection Blu-ray reissue includes a remastered version of the film, its sequel *Shaft’s Big Score* (1972), interviews with key contributors, and scholarly commentary, making it a valuable resource for those studying the origins of Blaxploitation cinema.