Shaft (1971) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

13%

Shaft1971

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

Shaft is almost shockingly non-woke by modern standards. Its groundbreaking representation serves a hard-edged story, not an ideological checklist, and traditional masculinity is practically the film’s calling card.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

Shaft centers on a strong, competent protagonist whose character is driven by personal skill and bravado, not by riding on contemporary identity trends. The film’s depiction of race is integral to its gritty realism and story, not shoehorned for modern sensibilities. Representation serves the narrative rather than dominating it.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

While Shaft broke ground by featuring a black lead and urban themes, it doesn’t undermine religion, family, or masculinity. In fact, masculinity is celebrated, John Shaft embodies the classic tough-guy archetype, and traditional values are present within the film’s relationships.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

The movie addresses issues relevant to its setting but doesn’t ridicule alternative worldviews. While it reflects the era’s social tensions, there is no heavy-handed ideological lecturing or caricaturing of dissenting perspectives.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.