New York police detective John Shaft arrests Walter Wade Jr. for a racially motivated slaying. But the only eyewitness disappears, and Wade jumps bail for Switzerland. Two years later Wade returns to face trial, confident his money and influence will get him acquitted -- especially since he's paid a drug kingpin to kill the witness.

Samuel L. Jacksonas John Shaft
Vanessa Williamsas Carmen Vasquez
Jeffrey Wrightas Peoples Hernandez
Christian Baleas Walter Wade, Jr.
Busta Rhymesas Rasaan
Dan Hedayaas Jack Roselli
Toni Colletteas Diane Palmieri
Richard Roundtreeas "Uncle" John Shaft
Ruben Santiago-Hudsonas Jimmy Groves
Josef Sommeras Curt Flemming
Donald E. Thorin