Shaft - The Ultimate Hero Character

 Shaft was released in the summer of 1971 and shows the life of detective Shaft solving a case between the Italian Mafia. Ultimately, Shaft solves the case, and Bumpy gets his daughter back. However, during the entirety of the film, Shaft is a character never before seen on screen. He is the ultimate hero. Shaft is charismatic, inspiring, and courageous. One quote that really stood out to me is when Shaft says, “When you lead your revolution, whitey better be standing still because you don't run worth a damn no more.” I think Shaft is really outspoken in a good way in this quote because he stands up for what is right. I think Shaft, as a hero figure in the film, shows the viewer what it means to be courageous and stand up for your beliefs. Shaft defies all odds on the film and does it without a second thought. I think Shaft shows what it means to be a hero in his film and shows a hero’s story. At the beginning of the film, Shaft faces a trivial threat to his career. Still, despite the idea of losing his career, he remains victorious under pressure and proves to do what is best by the end of the film and saves Bumpy’s daughter despite being poorly shot in previous scenes by the Italian mafia. I also found it really interesting that by the summer of 1972, every guy had the same jacket Shaft is seen wearing for the majority of the film. I think Shaft's jacket is as iconic as the dress of Marilyn Monroe. I thought the jacket looked familiar because I recognized the jacket. More so, I think Shaft is very inspiring as a character because he is able to conquer all the obstacles he faces as a detective and as the protagonist overall. One quote that stood out to me that Shaft states at one point in the film are: “Don't let your mouth get your ass in trouble.” I think Shaft, during this scene, is really able to showcase how outspoken yet credible he is as a detective. I find it inspiring that he is able to speak up and show insight into his profession. I think the old saying that goes, “The less they know, the better,” is really shining through in this part of the film in Shaft’s character. I think that as a detective, you have to keep an ominous persona in your day-to-day life, as Shaft does in the film. I think this element of the unknown with Shaft is what makes him such a compelling character. I also really enjoy how Shaft has a bit of a comedic side. For example, at one point in the film, Vic tells Shaft to close the door himself, stating, “Close it yourself, shitty.” Nonetheless, the statement above makes Shaft laugh and adds comedic relief to such a complex film. Additionally, Shaft shows a side to his character that the screen in 1971 had never seen before, and that is romance. Shaft is, above all else, a very romantic and sensual character. He is able to have any woman he wants and does this so effortlessly and charmingly. Likewise, Shaft tells Tom at one point in the film, “To get laid, where the hell are you going?” This statement showcases how confident Shaft is as a character and how he always is truthful despite the truth, not being pretty or professional. Furthermore, I think Shaft is the ultimate hero character in the film and showcases characteristics, as analyzed above, that make Shaft the film it is today.