Shaft

JJ aka John Shaft Jr. (Jessie Usher) kommt frisch vom MIT und heuert als Experte für Cyber-Kriminalität beim FBI an. Mit seinem Vater (Samuel L. Jackson) und seinem Großonkel (Richard Roundtree), die beide als Badass-Cops auf den Straßen für Recht und Ordnung sorgten, hat er nicht wirklich viel gemeinsam. Doch als dann sein bester Freund ermordet wird, muss er mit seinem Vater zusammenarbeiten. Beide haben sich über die Jahre sehr voneinander entfremdet, weil Shaft Senior die Kindheit seines Sohnes quasi verpasste, weil er in Harlem Gangster jagte. Nun gilt es aber, die alten Streitigkeiten beizulegen, sich wieder zusammenzuraufen und klassische sowie moderne Polizei-Methoden miteinander zu vereinen. Doch das ist bei einem solchen Aufeinandertreffen der Generationen deutlich leichter gesagt, als schlussendlich getan…

Gesamte Besetzung von Shaft

In the 2000 movie 'Shaft,' Samuel L. Jackson plays John Shaft II, a tough New York City detective who is both street-smart and confident. This role stands out in his career as it reinvigorated the classic character originally played by Richard Roundtree in the 1970s, allowing Jackson to bring a modern, intense edge and charisma to the iconic role. Unlike some of his earlier performances that emphasized his commanding voice and versatility in supporting roles, Shaft was a leading role that highlighted his ability to carry a major action film with a blend of grit and humor. This performance showcased Jackson's talent for portraying complex, assertive characters and further cemented his status as a prominent figure in action and crime genres.

Fans of Richard Roundtree will enjoy his role in the movie 'Shaft' because it marks his most iconic performance as John Shaft, a tough, charismatic private detective who became a cultural icon and helped pave the way for African American leads in action films. Compared to his other roles, Shaft stands out for its blending of blaxploitation style with mainstream appeal, showcasing Roundtree's commanding screen presence and cool demeanor. An interesting and unexpected detail about the character is that the name "Shaft" was inspired by a slang term meaning a stylish, sharp man, which perfectly encapsulated the persona Roundtree projected. Additionally, the character's distinct theme song by Isaac Hayes won an Academy Award, adding to the film's lasting legacy.