by 
“Shaft” follows the relentless private investigator John Shaft as he confronts a labyrinth of crime and corruption, utilizing his street-smart skills to unravel a high-stakes murder mystery that could shake the city to its core.
Read on to find out where to watch “Shaft” in Canada and enter a world where justice is a luxury and danger lurks around every corner.
Table of Contents
What Is Shaft About?
“Shaft” is an action-packed film that centers on John Shaft, a tough and resourceful private investigator. Set against the backdrop of a gritty urban landscape, the story follows Shaft as he navigates the dangerous underbelly of the city to uncover the truth behind a high-stakes murder. With his street-smart demeanor and unorthodox methods, Shaft becomes a formidable force in his quest for justice, challenging corrupt officials and ruthless criminals.
As the narrative unfolds, Shaft’s investigation reveals a web of deceit, power struggles, and criminal enterprises that run deep within the city’s criminal hierarchy. The film explores themes of loyalty, family ties, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and vigilantism. Shaft’s character is defined by his unwavering determination, sharp wit, and a willingness to bend the rules to achieve his objectives. Alongside heart-pounding action sequences and suspenseful moments, “Shaft” delves into the complexities of crime and morality, while celebrating the archetype of the lone hero who fights for righteousness in a morally ambiguous world.
“Shaft” was released on Netflix in September 2019.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Shaft?
Ernest Tidyman created and directed “Shaft.” He is also known for his work as a writer, having penned the screenplay for the original “Shaft” film and other notable works like “The French Connection” and “High Plains Drifter.” Here’s the cast of “Shaft”:
- Richard Roundtree as John Shaft
- Moses Gunn as Bumpy Jonas
- Charles Cioffi as Vic Androzzi
- Christopher St. John as Ben Buford
- Gwenn Mitchell as Ellie Moore
- Lawrence Pressman as Sergeant Tom Hannon
- Victor Arnold as Charlie
- Sherri Brewer as Marcy
- Rex Robbins as Rollie
- Camille Yarbrough as Dina Greene
- Margaret Warncke as Dina’s Friend
- Joseph Leon as Byron Leibowitz
- Arnold Johnson as Bartender
- Dominic Barto as Perp
- George Strus as Policeman
- Dan Brenno as Policeman
- Bernard Barrow as Lt. Kelly
- Ed Bernard as Al
- Milt Kogan as Andy
- Edward Barth as Tony
- Don Blakely as Gang Leader
- Johnny Haymer as Policeman
What is the Rating for Shaft?
“Shaft” is rated PG-13 in Canada. This means that some material in the film may not be suitable for children under 13. The movie may contain some content that parents may find inappropriate for young children.
How Many People Watch Shaft?
The film went on to gross $21.3 million, grossing $8.3 million in its debut week and another $3.6 million in its second weekend.
How Are the Reviews for Shaft?
Critics generally praised “Shaft” for its groundbreaking portrayal of a black action hero and its gritty urban atmosphere, while also acknowledging its cultural significance; however, some critics pointed out narrative limitations and stylistic choices that occasionally detracted from its impact. Overall, “Shaft” received positive recognition for its unique contribution to the action genre and representation in cinema. The movie received an approval rating of 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.4/10 on IMDb, and 40/100 on Metacritic. See what critics are saying saying about “Shaft”:
- “With a swagger that’s as sharp as his wit, ‘Shaft’ electrifies the screen with its no-nonsense approach to crime-fighting, proving that the urban jungle has found its ultimate predator.” – Urban Cinephile
- “Ernest Tidyman’s gritty directorial debut unleashes a cinematic force to be reckoned with, as ‘Shaft’ cuts through the noise with its charismatic lead and unapologetic exploration of the city’s underbelly.” – Cinematic Nexus
Where to Watch Shaft in Canada?
“Shaft” is available on streaming services in Canada.
Is Shaft Available on Streaming?
Netflix
“Shaft” is exclusively available on Netflix. To watch the show on the platform, sign up for an account and avail of any of the following subscription plans of your choice:
| Plan | Price | Number of Simultaneous Screens | Streaming Quality |
| Basic with ads | CAD$5.99 | 1 device | SD |
| Basic | CAD$9.99 | 1 device | HD |
| Standard | CAD$16.49 | 2 devices | HD |
| Premium | CAD$20.99 | 4 devices | Ultra HD |
With a Netflix subscription, you can stream series and movies on various devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, PCs, laptops, tablets, game consoles, and web players like Chromecast and Roku. You can also download Netflix’s content to your device for when you want to stream offline.
“tick, tick… BOOM!,” “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch,” and “Flint Town” are some of the Netflix originals with unique storylines you can stream on the platform.
Is Shaft Available for Rent (VOD)?
You can buy or rent “Shaft” in Canada. Just a heads up, rented films are available for a limited time only.
| Platform | Rent | Purchase |
| iTunes | CAD$4.99 | CAD$12.99 |
| Microsoft Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$12.99 |
| YouTube | CAD$4.99 | CAD$12.99 |
| Cineplex Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$12.99 |
| Amazon Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$12.99 |
| Google Play Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$12.99 |
Is Shaft Available on Cable or Free TV?
“Shaft” is not airing on any cable channels or free-to-air televisions in Canada.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch Shaft?
There is no need to use a VPN since “Shaft” is readily available to stream on Netflix Canada.
Urban Crime and Corruption
Viewers can gain insights into the exploration of urban crime and corruption as they follow John Shaft’s relentless pursuit of justice through the labyrinthine streets of the city. The film exposes the layers of deceit, power struggles, and criminal enterprises that thrive within the urban landscape, shedding light on the underbelly of society. Through tense confrontations, strategic investigations, and pulse-pounding action sequences, viewers witness the harsh realities of urban crime and the complexities of unraveling a web of corruption.
You can watch “Shaft” on Netflix and VOD available in Canada.
