Shaft in Africa

About This Movie

Shaft in Africa is an interesting entry in the Shaft series—John Shaft heads to Ethiopia and France to tackle a pretty grim human trafficking operation. The film blends action with social issues, which is a nice contrast to some of the more straightforward crime capers of the time. The pacing can feel a bit uneven, but there are some solid moments of tension, especially in the action sequences. Richard Roundtree returns with his usual charisma, and the supporting cast adds a lot of flavor to the film. The practical effects and stunts hold up surprisingly well, and there's a strong sense of place that you don’t always get in 70s action films. It has this gritty atmosphere that makes it stand out.

Released by MGM in the US, 1973 · Shot on location in Ethiopia and France · Score by Johnny Harris adds an authentic vibe · Part of the Shaft series, following the original and sequel