The films in this collection emerged as a movement in the 70s known in film criticism circles as "blaxploitation" cinema. Many of these gritty films featured rugged yet personable lead characters played by accomplished black actors including William Marshall, Fred Williamson, and Pam Grier. Popular examples of the original 70s movement include "Superfly," "Shaft" and "Foxy Brown." More modern examples include "Boyz 'N the Hood," "Menace II Society" and "Slam," as well as a remake of "Shaft." The influential genre has also been the subject of a few Wayans brothers parodies, including "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" and "Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood." The "blaxploitation" genre continues today, under the less racy category of "urban."
