Saw (2004)

Every piece has a puzzle.

Starring: Leigh Whannell, Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Ken Leung, Dina Meyer, Mike Butters, Paul Gutrecht, Michael Emerson, Benito Martinez, Shawnee Smith, Makenzie Vega, Monica Potter, Ned Bellamy, Alexandra Chun, Avner Garbi, Tobin Bell

Director: James Wan

Running Time: 102 minutes

US MPAA rating: R
UK BBFC rating: 18
Horror, Thriller

Adam (co-writer Leigh Whannell) wakes up with his leg shackled to a pipe in a large bathroom, with the surgeon Dr Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) chained to the opposite wall far out of reach. The presence in the room's centre of a bloody corpse clutching a gun and a dictaphone leaves them in no doubt that their situation is deadly serious. Together they listen to the pre-taped messages left for them - Adam's tape merely taunts him with a challenge to survive, while Gordon's instructs him find a way of killing Adam by 6 o'clock or else his own wife and daughter will be killed and he will be left there to rot. Adam finds two surgical saws in the toilet's cistern, not strong enough to hack through their chains, but perfect for slicing flesh and bone - reminding Gordon of the recent case of the so-called 'jigsaw' killer, a sadistic game-player who "never killed anyone, he finds ways for them to kill themselves". It is a case with which Gordon is all too familiar, having himself been the prime suspect of detectives Tapp (Danny Glover) and Sing (Ken Leung). Despite their distrust for one another, Adam and Gordon must share their knowledge and pool their resources if they are to have any chance of emerging alive (let alone in one piece).

This is merely the opening sequence of James Wan's breathless debut 'Saw', which immediately plunges its viewers, along with Adam and Gordon, into a dark hellhole of disorientation and panic, and then, as the clock ticks inexorably towards its deadline, allows the various clues scattered around the room, as well as the pair's memories of their own lives and of the unsolved murder case, to fall into place like so many pieces from a jigsaw puzzle, gradually revealing a picture that is complex, full of unexpected twists, and utterly harrowing. The identity of the sick manipulator controlling the proceedings always (until the final shock revelation) seems just beyond reach, but the motives behind all these horrific games ('players' are forced to maim themselves and/or kill others in a bid to survive) are made clear from the start: the victims are being taught a painful, often fatal, lesson in the value of life, so that the film's grisly set-pieces all have an oddly ethical resonance which elevates them far above your average slasher. 'Saw' is also, as its punning title suggests, a film concerned not just with gory slice-and-dice, but with the mechanics of viewing itself - not only does it feature a range of characters who, like filmgoers, secretly keep watch on others, but its Rubik's-like structure and elliptical use of flashbacks ensure that you can never quite trust what you think you just saw.

'Saw' combines the claustrophobic puzzle-solving of Vincenzo Natali's 'Cube' with the dark morality of David Fincher's

It's Got: A series of inventively horrible deaths involving impossible moral dilemmas, a principal setting that drips with claustrophobia and entrapment, a manipulative (and patient) killer with a bizarrely didactic purpose, and an affirmation of life's value that is unconventionally (but satisfyingly) bleak.

It Needs: Steady nerves.

Alternatives: 'Cube', Se7en, Fausto 5.0

Summary: A twistily clever psychothriller which affirms life's value even as it sends all hope down the drain. Overall Score: 8 out of 10

Review Date: 24th October 2004

External Links

Official Web Site
Saw at the IMDB

Comments

80 Comments

groufe man groufe man sroufe man

Comment by:- ricky corcoran | | 28 October 2004 | ip: logged

this movie rocked, I was at the edge of my seat the whole movie. it was pretty messed up and the ending was even more surprising, I think I cried it was so scary and I love scary movies. they did a really good job with this movie it was awesome and morbid. I think it was probably the coolest movie I have seen this year!!!!

Comment by:- Stephie | | 29 October 2004 | ip: logged

this movie completely sucked . it was the worst movie ive ever seen . it has absolutely no story and completely blowss ass

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 29 October 2004 | ip: logged

I thought this movie was awesome! some people have been saying that it has no story.... i guess they think the whole background of the 2 main characters and cops and stuff isn't a story. Anyway i'm never scared of movies so i can't say how scary it was, but i can say it is one of the best movies i've seen this year.

Comment by:- Ryan | | 29 October 2004 | ip: logged

Although at times I felt the acting could have been better, it was a good movie and one that I will not soon forget

Comment by:- Scott | | 30 October 2004 | ip: logged

UNREAL!!!!
This movie was one of the best....if not the best suspense/horror movies i've ever seen. Do yourself and your a favor and go see it in the theater. If you know anything about what different elements a movie can bring to the table, then you will find nothing less than a feast in this one!!!...WOW

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 30 October 2004 | ip: logged

This movie was so unbelievably BAD. The acting was terrible. Everyone in the theatre was laughing when it was supposed to be sad/scary. I can't express how horrible this movie is. Don't see it

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 30 October 2004 | ip: logged

i thought it was alright. the acting was kind of lame at times.. the scariest part was when he road in on a tricycle.. god that was scary, yet the whole movie i was closing my eyes... so yea the acting was bad.. but it was still eally scary

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 30 October 2004 | ip: logged

If someone says this movie was bad -- they are obviously undereducated. Within the top 2 movies I've ever seen without a doubt. If you beer drinking, pot smoking dumb asses have any active brain cells left you'll get a kick out of this movie -- I guarantee it.

"They key's are staring you right in the face... just don't panic."

Comment by:- A.:A:.A | | 30 October 2004 | ip: logged

While the acting did elicit a chuckle a few times, and occasionally purposefully as Adam did appear to be intended as a something of a tension-reliever in this horrific situation, I found the movie to be excellent. The ending alone justifies watching the entire movie. Excellent, excellent, excellent.

If you're in a theater and people laugh, then either invest in a taser or wait until it comes out on video.

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 30 October 2004 | ip: logged

The only people who say this movie "sucked" are the people like my dad and my neighbour, who don't like, sick twisted stuff. The movie was amazing. The best movie that I have ever seen. Nobody laughed at "bad acting "like some of these "anonymous" people say, the acting was really, really good. The plot is a masterpiece. Shrug off what old people will say about this movie, because they were to shocked by the gore and blood to see it's imagination. Do yourself a favor, and see it for yourself. It makes Kill Bill wince.

Comment by:- Alex Petrunak | | 31 October 2004 | ip: logged

Believe me when i say. Please go see this movie. I hated it until it got to the end. The end was so surprising it actually made all the other elements of it so much better. So dont leave early thinking it sucks. Wait it out and find out what happens. It turns out to be pretty good.

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 31 October 2004 | ip: logged

this movie sucked. Everyone in the theatre was laughing. it wasn't even scary. and when the guy road in on the tricycle, are you kidding me? that was it???? thats what we were supposed to be afraid of?, a doll on a tricycle. Not to mention the HORRIBLE acting. The movie could have been bearable if it would've atleast had better actors. This movie was just plain silly. Trust me, don't waste your money.

Comment by:- candies1 | | 31 October 2004 | ip: logged

The acting did suck. But the movie in general scared/disgusted the ever loving crap out of me, which is hard to do. And a lot of people did laugh (including a guy a few rows down from me who called everyone in the movie "stupid white bitches") but still the plot was good and fairly inventive, especially concerning the way he killed people. Add that to an amazing ending and you got yourself a good horror/thriller. And for that person who was talking about the fact that it was "a doll on a tricycle" yes it was a really lame doll, but that`s the last thing on your mind when you have a reverse bear-trap on your head and have to dig through the entrails of a barely concious man to get the key so your head doesn`t get viciously ripped open.

Comment by:- Emma | | 31 October 2004 | ip: logged

im sorry to disagree with all you guys, but this film sucked. It was so terrible, the acting was awful, and aswell i must say that although its plot was inventive and provocotive, that doesnt automatically make it a hit, it has to be executed well, with acting playing a huge part in this, if youre looking for something that will scare you, then really, dont watch this.

Comment by:- matthew wakefield | | 31 October 2004 | ip: logged

I believe saw was an awesome movie. Out of all the scary movies i have seen this one was more realistic and different. The director did a great job in putting alot of thought into this movie because it made sense. I strongly recommend ya'll to go and watch this movie.

Comment by:- Natasha | | 31 October 2004 | ip: logged

Yea this movie was bad. I chose this movie instead of the "The Grudge". Should have seen "The Gruge". Although "The Grudge" is problably bad too. "Saw" was scary @ certain times, but the laughing all around me kinda took away from the directors idea of trying to scare me. I didn't think the acting or the scary parts of the movie were funny @ the time, but upon further thought it was pretty ridiculous. I do think that the idea of the movie was good, but the acting was that of a Lifetime movie. I recommend this movie as a renter, or just wait till it comes out on HBO, STARZ, or Cimemax next week.

Sincerely,

An Anoymous 5th Grader, who is obviously unedjumacated
because I have an opinion.

Comment by:- Josh Henry | | 31 October 2004 | ip: logged

in all honesty, i went with 4 other, and we all agreed this movie was absolutely horrible. And yes, many of the suspenseful scenes, did have many in the theater laughing. This IS the worst movie i have ever seen..but hey.. see for yourself. Dont' laugh too hard

Comment by:- mike | | 31 October 2004 | ip: logged

****ing..genius!! Besides the main character (dr.whatshisface)'s HORRIBLE acting...this movie was probably one of the first horror movies to scare me since "The Exorcist" when I was ten years old. It had a good plot...the killer actually had a reason to kill...everything in the movie just fit together perfect! GO SEE THIS MOVIE!! You will NOT regret it!!

Comment by:- MIKOS | | 31 October 2004 | ip: logged

terrible....i would usually never post anything like this, except id really like my money back. basically picture a great movie like seven and then throw in some cliche moments and a lot of awful acting and you have saw. for the love of princess buttercup this was bad.

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 31 October 2004 | ip: logged

SPOILER ALERT!! DON'T READ THIS REVIEW UNLESS YOU'VE SEEN THE MOVIE! I WARNED YOU!
This movie wasn't that good. While the directors idea's were on the right track, there were too many scenes that made a person think things like "Why didn't she shoot when she had the chance?", or Danny character spent so much time looking for this psycho that slit his throat & killed his partner and instead of shooting him he resorts to wrestling him?! Stupid. I mean c'mon, someone has you & your daughter tied up and all you can say when the tables are turned is "Give me the phone."? Any normal person would shoot first and then TAKE the ****ing phone. Right? Or are you a dumbass like this doctor's wife? If it was to make the movie more interesting, I can think of more creative ways to do it. This movie has too many flaws. It wasn't that scary either. If anyone was scared of this movie then the Sixth Sense must have literally made you **** on the movie seat. The only thing I liked about it was how creative they made the killer. One last thing...The doctor's wife should join the US women's weightlifting team, as she so strong as to take the gun and put up a better fight against this killer than Danny Glover's character who's a good 100-150lbs. heavier and at least a foot taller than she is. 2 out of 10.

Comment by:- Logan | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

THIS MOVIE COULD DO BETTER IF IT BONED ME IN THE BUTT

Comment by:- JON-STFU | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

If you liked this movie you might as well shoot yourself in the head.
^_^

Comment by:- ~_~ | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

yeah sure, this movie had to be good, i mean they only used their shirts to get a tap recorder, but when they dude decided not to take off his shirt to get the cell phone, and saw off his foot, that was pretty smart?

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

This movie runs the gauntlet...

Suspense out the yin-yang - Lots of good use of suspense in this flick. I like the scene where Adam navigates his dark apartment with only the light of his camera flash. You know something is bound to happen... but when? On which flash? Another fantastic suspense scene was in Gordon's daughter's (Diana) bedroom with the "scary man..."

Great creep factor - The situations that Jigsaw's victims get put in are just insanely creepy... The impossible moral dilemma's like kill this man to save your family or you can sit here and rot or inflict a crazy amount of skin lascerations to save yourself... Sometimes the movie holds back and sometimes it just flat out floors you with gore... you never know when it's coming for real or not.

It's got plenty of gore - not hokey like Freddy vs. Jason either... this is pretty damn realistic and gross stuff... Lots of older horror movies rely too heavily on the Gore factor. This movie just uses it as a setting to help move the story forward.

You get your dose of action - near the end with the struggle and the chase scenes. Unfortunately, I felt the action scenes were subpar to the rest of the movie. They needed to be there, but could have been done in a creepier way with more finesse.

Comic relief - There's a joke played from time to time which helps to momentarily lift the gloom which shadows most of the film. I'm fine with the parts that are meant to make you laugh. However, Gordon' (Carey Elwes) acting abilities drastically deteriorate in the final 15 minutes of the movies. I don't even know if it's his fault. The dialogue is mainly to blame. I don't think you could put DeNiro or Paccino in that role and have them pull it off flawlessly by that point. I actually found myself chuckling along with about 1/4 of the theatre because all I could think of was the resemblance of Gordon's acting/script to Wil Farrel's skits on SNL.

Shocking twists - Saw pulls out a couple twists in this film which range from predictable to shocking. The final moments of this movie really make up for the bad acting/dialogue you're forced to deal with just beforehand.

Overall, I'll agree with the author of this review and give this movie an 8/10.

This is the best creepy/scary movie I've seen since the Ring. The Grudge is slightly more creepy/scary but the storyline of that flick is immensely weak. Look for my review over on that page.

Comment by:- Brooke | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

*/// SPOOOOOOOOOOOOILERS

I wrote that review before reading everyone else's comments.

To all the naysayers, you are definitely entitled to your opinions and in some respects I can agree with your assessments. However, the dude telling you to shoot yourself in the heads is a poster-child for internet anonymity. Take your own advice moron.

Anyways, yes. I was defintely thinking that if I were in the same position as some of the characters I would have done things much differently but to approach every movie that way would leave me quite disappointed in many films.

Sometimes you just have to accept the idiotic actions of characters in the film because they advance the plot that way. It leads to more suspense.

Would I have let my eyes adjust to the dark and swung vigorously into the closet when I was sure my assailant was in there? Yes.

Would I have used my shirt to reach for the cell phone instead of sawing off my own leg? Definitely. note: He didn't saw off his leg to get solely get to the cell phone. He primarily did it to get free of the chains, reach the gun, shoot Adam, then reach his family. He just heard what he assumed was his wife and child being brutally murdered. I don't think his head was altogether right at that moment.

Would I have just bust a cap in the bad guy's arse instead of asking for the telephone after he put me through such anguish? You're damn right.

The point is, the movie wouldn't really have advanced as creepily or suspensefully if these characters didn't do idiotic things from time to time.

Accept that they're idiots. Know that were it you, you'd do things differently. But just enjoy the movie for what it is. A fictional tale meant to build suspense and creep you out.

Also, the person on the tricycle was a manequin, not the bad guy. Why didn't he show himself to her? Because he let her go after "winning" the game and wouldn't exactly want her able to ID him upon being free.

Comment by:- Brooke | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

Wow! All I can say is that I LOVED Cary Elwes in "The Princess Bride". He was so cute and funny and downright charming (no to mention that "The P B" is my FAVORITE movie). So then I go see this movie and my whole image of Cary Elwes is ruined! His acting was horrid and, let's face it, without the british accent he just sounds like a big weenie. The premise of this movie was interesting but it got lost in the bad acting and some poor story explanation. I just wasn't that scared and I couldn't get past that my "Wesley" was nothing more than a really bad actor.

Comment by:- scatsinger | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

Just a really bad movie, nothing was scary, and in a thriller like this I expected some form of realism, every trap scene looked surreal with green backlights and mist, and quick motions and ugh, stupid, stupid. And the acting, worst I seen in a long, long time, the whole theatre was laughing by the end. Its just could of been smarter, like why did they only try to saw the chains, why not the locks? why did they not shot the locks? how did his wife beat up the killer when the huge black cop could not even hold him, and the ending, the "surprise" was just stupid, no one could stay that still, not moving, not showing any signs of life for 6 hours just laying there.

Comment by:- Tony | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

The audience was laughing during the last scene - the acting was laughable, the plot was contrived. Six hours and they had no idea that the man was alive? This wasn't 15 minutes that he was laying there - it was SIX HOURS. And the chase scene's editing was a parody of the excellent editing in Run Lola Run. This was a movie with a great premise, but a lack of execution and acting.

Comment by:- James | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

i thought the ending just made up for all the bad things in the movie. even though there were a lot of them. the ending was pretty clever.

Comment by:- Brent | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

i thought the ending just made up for all the bad things in the movie. even though there were a lot of them. the ending was pretty clever.

Comment by:- Brent | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

Tony, please tell me you're not trying to find the "realism" in such a fictional story... There isn't a movie out there that is executed perfectly without a single flaw. There's certain things you need to accept to have a good time watching a movie.

Trap scenes looking surreal - well... the actual traps that Saw places are pretty damn surreal by design.

Why not saw the locks instead of only the chains - actually, they DO try to saw the locks. As soon as they find the saws Adam goes to work on the chain while Gordon goes to work on the lock.

Why didn't they shoot the locks - good point, it's what I would have done but again, I'd have probably shot Saw first as he was getting up instead of gaping in awe. It's all to move the story along. Who's to say Adam didn't shoot the lock off after Saw trapped him in there... you never know.

Why did Zepp get his ass kicked by a woman and then manage to kill the cop - well personally I would have shot Zep in the back instead of tackling him but I can kind of understand why the cop would want to engage in physical combat. Basically he though Zepp as the guy he'd been hunting all those months. The guy that committed all those harsh acts... the guy that got his partner killed. Likely he would take more satisfaction in beating his face in with his bare hands to release all that built up anger. Too bad he was kinda crazy and slipped up. It was a pretty nifty maneuver on Zepp's part to shoot him that way.

No way that Saw could stay still that long - Indeed it would be difficult but remember, these guy is twisted in the head and was explained as being extremely patient liking to watch his victims. There are plenty of spiritual people around that world that can meditate unmovingly for days and days... 7:40 hours isn't all that long if you have that kind of determination.

I don't know man, you obviously didn't like it and nothing I saw will change that but perhaps you might be open to more movies if you just accept certain things about them. They'll never be completely perfect and if it were you in the roll, you'd surely do something differently.

Comment by:- Brooke | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

SCARY!

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

wow amazing
Fantastic film a must see, the acting wasn't gr8 but i was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole movie. Very sick plot, was scary in parts, reminded me of the cube right at the start. The ending was completly unexpected. I dont see how so many of you hated it. Dont want to say too much and ruin for you all, if you haven't seen it then go now!

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 01 November 2004 | ip: logged

Amazing movie, I admit the acting of Dr.Gordon at the ending of the movie sucked...
Adam was annoying at times and how the wife was able to beat up Zepp and not a 6 foot somthing Black guy is beyond me. But the story was intellegent, the games the victems were forced to play were insanely twisted and cool, and the ending seriously left me with my mouth opened. It was a really well thought out movie, i recommend it to anyone who likes a good scare!

Comment by:- Johnny | www.movie-gazette.com/cinerevi... | 02 November 2004 | ip: logged

Leave your brain and any thought of having an opinion behind and just ride the rollercoaster. Hopefully you wont throw up and when you get off you'll feel it was worth the fare. This is a perfect ride.

Comment by:- Nid Collins | www.nidcollins.com | 02 November 2004 | ip: logged

I give it a solid B I do agree with the others the acting was bad at times but the story was good.I didn't find it that scary but I'm definately gonna buy the dvd when it comes out.Dug the way jigsaw killed it was pretty cool esp the barbwire guy.

Comment by:- dirt bag | | 02 November 2004 | ip: logged

The pure twisted magic of the jigsaw was fantastic enough to make this movie rememberable.

Comment by:- Ben | | 02 November 2004 | ip: logged

i think the movie was very good. one of the best movies i've seen this year. i know the acting in the end was kind of cheesy, but if i just sawed my leg off i probably wouldn't be speaking so well either. for the people that didn't like the movie, i hope you'll learn to appreciate movies more than critique them everytime you see them. not every movie that comes out is supposed to be a hit or classic, so just enjoy it for what it is. i think this movie was very good, and the ending was one of the best i've ever seen for a horror/thriller movie.

Comment by:- bvmagic | | 02 November 2004 | ip: logged

i peed my pants (_;_)

Comment by:- ur mother | urmother.com | 02 November 2004 | ip: logged

this movie was fukin awesom! i must admit it wasnt that scary, but it wasnt sposed to be. it was a thriller. and th doll part wasnt that scary. th scariest part was when the guy took photos in his apartment to see and he found th guy in his closet. i peed my pants 2

Comment by:- ur dad | www.urdad.com | 02 November 2004 | ip: logged

i screamed and held my boyfriends arm. we made out. then i vomited on him. and i peed.

Comment by:- girly_man | | 02 November 2004 | ip: logged

RIDE THE PONY UNTIL U HAV 5 HAIRS AND UR GOOCH IS PURPLE WITH CHILDREN SCREAMING FOR THE ICE CREAM TRUCK. **** *** ** * **** *UCK. DO U KNO THE MUFFIN MAN THE MUFFIN MAN THE MUFFIN MAN. DO U KNOTHE MUFFIN MAN WHO LIVED ON PRUNY LANE. AHAHA DICK AND COLON AND BUSH ( THE PRESIDENT SILLY). o yea saw was coolio

Comment by:- I CAN OOGY WELL | ineedoogy.com | 02 November 2004 | ip: logged

oogy your a fag! suck nuts

Comment by:- ur momma | | 03 November 2004 | ip: logged

Seriously had to have been one of the best movies I've seen in quite some time. It de-throned Boondock Saints as my favorite movie.

Two thumbs WAY Up!

Comment by:- Josh Peacock | | 04 November 2004 | ip: logged

The movies horrible acting overshadowed any interest I had in Saw, easily making it one of the worst movies of the year. The acting becomes so bad that it turns the last 20 minutes of the film into a comedy. Saw licked balls.

Comment by:- Jonathan | | 04 November 2004 | ip: logged

hey "ur momma" y dont u get a life and go molest some CHILDREN RUNNING FOR THE ICE CREAM TRUCK!!!! dick and bush won( the president) . saw was so good it made me wanna urinate on secretary at my jailhouse. my parole office is hot too. hes blonde

Comment by:- I CAN OOGY WELL | ineedoogy.com | 04 November 2004 | ip: logged

my drug test did not go well. **** ***UCKING ***ASS **HO** SH** COC*UCKER ***ORE *HORE *HORE*HORE SLLLUTTT WHO TOOK THE TOILET SEAT. OW BITCH THATS MY PHONE.

Comment by:- wheres the catheter | nakedandninety.com | 04 November 2004 | ip: logged

What is this about horrible acting?! The acting was as solid as ANY horror movie I've seen and just as good as many mainstream movies. People in real life act a bit weird when **** thatjustdoesnothappen - happens.

This makes any American movie of the last decade seem tame. It's not perfect and you have to suspend your belief a little bit. Name a movie you don't need to do that with. If the writer and director can do any better, I'd love to see it.

Comment by:- Bukowski | | 05 November 2004 | ip: logged

I don't know if people come here for serious reviews or what, but the people that mentioned how everyone was cracking up are the reason the VCR exists. People will laugh to relieve tension or at things they are too dumb to understand.

I've seen people in serious car wrecks revert to baby talk. I'll buy Elwe's characters behavior in the last twenty minutes. This should make all top ten lists.

Anyone thinking of seeing 'Saw' ask yourself this. What is the most disturbing movie you have seen in the last ten years? Then go check it out. I left the theater convinced I will not see a movie come togther this good anytime soon.

Comment by:- gyang | | 05 November 2004 | ip: logged

This is a psychological movie. You have to be able to put yourself in the characters situations to truly appreciate it. Any tough guy can say what they would do... faced with it you might do and/or say pretty stupid things.

Incredible debut for both Whannell & Wan. There is already a sequel in the works.

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 05 November 2004 | ip: logged

I think this movie was great. One of the wicked'est and most demented films Ive ever seen...right up my alley. The surprises in this film were amazingly clever. Not only were the killers traps insanely thought out, but the way each clue was found was mindblowing. Very intense scenes, especially near the end when everything comes to a climax, I almost felt like I was losing my mind right along with them it got so intense. Alot of people are talking about the Doctors acting sucking near the end. I tought it was on purpose, and I think the way he was acting fit perfectly with a man whos mind was snapping all in one moment. I mean think about it, He just found out the man hes gone through all this with actually has been stalking him for 2 days, Six a clock is almost up, his wife and daughter are being held by a mad man, he has no clue where the hell he is, he cant reach that damn phone!!, and after he lops of his own leg.....uhhh yea, I think his mind has exploded into a runny mess. Anyway, the movie was good, the plot was great the story was great the acting was fine I thought,The ending was one of the best ive ever seen and everything about it was just very clever. Very wicked....wicked is good. MCL.

Comment by:- Str8Twiztid | | 05 November 2004 | ip: logged

i think this is one of the most well thought out horror movie ive ever seen.. very clever. It had me in awe.. but the acting by dr lawrence i had to say wus simply horrible. everyone in the theater wus laughing at the part when he had his legged cut off and he wus talking to adam on the floor .. acting wus bad.. but the overall concept of the movie and the idea wus excellent.

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 05 November 2004 | ip: logged

To all the people who said that is movie suxed should stfu....tell me what was the last scary movie u have seen with a sick ending like that??!?! ok sure my g/f was laughing at the ending where they are laying on the floor but WHO CARES....this movie fukin rocked..i will pay to see it again...the ending just blew ur mind away...u would never think of it that's what i liked about it...and the tiwised games he would play are awsome....GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!

Comment by:- obsessive.nerd | | 05 November 2004 | ip: logged

yea man this movie kicked ass!!!!! it was off the hook... ur on the edge of your seat throughout the film... there are so many twists its crazy!!! no doubt its one of the best horror films that ive seen... GO see this Movie... you'll be glad you did!!

Comment by:- Mike | | 06 November 2004 | ip: logged

What are you ppl smokin????? This movie was very suspensful and had a great twist! I definitly reccommend this movie. You'll never guess who the killer is and no one can tell you otherwise. GO SEE IT!!!!!

Comment by:- Rosa | | 06 November 2004 | ip: logged

I don't see why people say the acting was bad when they've never seen people in situations like that. And no, you would not do things differently in some of the same situations when you're frantic. It's easy to say that when you're calm and know you're safe.

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 06 November 2004 | ip: logged

This movie sucked hairy ass! Everybody in the theater laughed out loud during what were supposed to be the characters' most agonizing moments. What does that tell you...? It tells you that the acting was so bad that these scenes, which could have been tolerable with good actors, failed to convince even the lamest movie-goer. The ex-cop's over-dramatization of his obsession with the case is more laughable than the anguish (roll up eyes here) of the 2 main characters. The only good thing about this movie was the excellent set (the bathroom). And when will the the surprise ending fad ever end? It'd be more of a surprise if there wasn't one.

Comment by:- Mike | | 07 November 2004 | ip: logged

That was the most awesome movie ever. It was so funny when he rode in there on that tricycle with his hair everywhere and was like, " CONGRATULATIONS", me and my friend died laughing. Because they made it seem like a contest and not to be taken seriously. I thought that movie was awesome and hilarious. NOT That scary though. I end on saying er eh er eh er eh..." Congratulations"

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 08 November 2004 | ip: logged

This movie was awesome. I loved it. It kept me on the edge of my seat and think throughout the movie. I saw it opening weekend and I was blown away. It was definently worth my money

Comment by:- reva | | 08 November 2004 | ip: logged

This movie was great! In my opinion anyway, i know everyone says about the bad acting but i didnt think it was that bad, not that i can really ever tell bad acting anyway but even so. You dumbasses who thought it was **** should try and come up with one better yourself. I thought it was really clever and all the twists etc made sure you never saw it coming. The ending was really good i thought, but yeh how can he stay there for 6 hours or whatever, but still really good. And about not shooting through the chains or shooting SAW, well SAW only gave them one bullet as i can remember and the doctor dude used that up when he shot Adam. SAW was a bit of a demented twat obviously and im sure he didnt appreciate life that much like a lot of us before he became terminally ill or whatever but what are you gonna do. As for people laughing in the theatre, no one did where i was except at the genuinely meant to be funny parts. I would recommend for anyone who is a fan of horror movies to go see it. Does anyone remember why SAW picked Adam for the game? was that just cos he smoked? cos i forgot.

Comment by:- Jules | | 08 November 2004 | ip: logged

Dont go if you want to see A horror Film.

Go if you Want to see a Thriller/ Suspence picture.
I thought The fellow who played Dr. Gordons Character was awesome..
And The Co-writer, who played the character "ADAM" was horrible.. His lines were very off Key

To describe this film.. Take the Psychology of 7even, the Prompt Decision making of CUBE, and the very foggy yet somewhat resembling ending of "Usual Suspects".

Now.. Visciously stir these movies together, and Add a Giant dose of James WAN. This movie's focus is more of a survival story, rather than a story founded on constructive plots and character development. The way this film is executed, and im surprised no one picked this out, is that Its in the now, The movie is a Jigsaw, and within your 1h 50min of watching it, You have to put it together.

To elaborate on, "This movie is in the Now": The characters are held captive in Jigsaws game, Their objective is to survive.

I think people today are used to watching movies with a cadence.. however, this film shoves you into the **** directly, and you're left without explanation..

Just to make this Clear, This is a story about Survival. Unlike 7even, The JigSaw killer Gives his victims ultimatums.. And if they are successful, are granted life.

"Live or Die, Make your Choice"

Comment by:- Dont Worry, Be Happy | | 09 November 2004 | ip: logged

This movie was not good-first of all it's too loud, and i'm sorry but what the hell was up with the dumb people--If there's a guy threatening to shoot u with a gun, and u happen to snatch it from him, shoot him..dont just stand there saying 'dont move...' and the acting was bad- if u want gory scenes, go see it

Comment by:- Joe Mama | | 09 November 2004 | ip: logged

A sick, boring, ridiculous movie.

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 11 November 2004 | ip: logged

This movie was without a doubt the worst movie I have ever seen. If you enjoy horror or suspense, or thrillers or even drama this movie is NOT for you. Acting is TERRIBLE, Plot is ridiculous. I am only writing this because I really dont want other people to waste their money. Please, if you wish to see a good movie go see the Incredibles. if you want to see pointless disturbing and crappy film that was wasted, rent this trash in a month when it comes on DVD

Comment by:- SAW | | 12 November 2004 | ip: logged

this movie was aruguably one of the best ive ever seen. although, yes i agree there was some intense overacting at times, it didnt cease to keep me on the edge of my seat. incredibly creative situations the killer put his victims into, and plot twists that seemed like they never ended, this film was absolutely terrific. might i add one of the best conclusions i have seen in a while

Comment by:- ben | | 14 November 2004 | ip: logged

It wasn't the worst movie I have ever seen, but there were times when it was so cheap, one-dimensional, idiotic and manipulative that it was a contender.

On the positive side, it was creepy and scary. The mood was dark, the atmosphere was hideously frightening, and the sense of being trapped in an unknown location made me uncomfortable. There were moments when I began to suspect everyone of being the killer, except, of course, the right one. The acting was terrible, but the charcters were just stock characters. It's obvious the writer didn't care about them, and didn't want us to care about them.

On the negative side, it all unravelled at the end. The final ten minutes were unnerving but not suspenseful. The ending was stupid, flatout stupid. And even with its stupidity, I and the people I watched it with were left with questions. Who survived? What would happen after the credits rolled? Who cared? Should we drink beer or coffee? Soon, we forgot the movie.

Comment by:- Anonymous | | 14 November 2004 | ip: logged

SPOILER!!
well, i went to see it last night, and i have to say i almost &h!+ my pants!! it was terrifying, the ideas that the mad man killer thought up were frightening, and how he put them all into action was even more amazing. I'm not usually scared by movies, but this one definately freaked me out. very se7enish, but different in a cool way, it scared me much more than se7en did, maybe because the people were already dead in se7en and you never saw how they were killed. But the backwards bear trap freaked me, the fat guy in the jagged wire was incredible (the reason suited the death, which made it meaningful) althought the other actors were pretty bad, i agree with most of the commentors, ur never put in the situation, and u dont know anyone who has, so who are u to talk? Besides that, i dont understand why the doctor, his wife and kid, adam, and zepp, they didnt want to die, i understand that he knew them...and they all connected, but they didnt show any signs of not cherishing life, but thats about it! I thought the ending was good, i was mad at myself that i didnt think it could be the guy in the bed in the hospital scene, because i usually figure out who the killer is if they show him. My boyfriend kept saying "its zepp, its definately zepp" and i just smiled at him and patted his leg, aww little naive horror fan! lol, but i am agreeable with those who thought the acting was bad, people laughed in my theater as well. i liked the movie, and the plot! If you liked this, you must see se7en, even though this scared me more, se7en was a much better movie, mostly because it came first! go see it if you like intense clausterphobic thrillers.

Comment by:- marli | | 14 November 2004 | ip: logged

Is the acting bad at times? YEAH. Is it clearly rushed and low budget? YEAH. Are there a few holes in the plot? YEAH. Is the flick unintentionally funny at times? YEAH. But does the ending make it all worth while? ...............the answer is...........HELL YEAH. Quite simply, the ending of this movie is worth the cost of admission alone. Seven's overbloated hollywood budget and ATTEMPT at being dark and cool can't touch this.

Comment by:- johhny da reviewuh | | 15 November 2004 | ip: logged

One of the best movies i've seen. Yea some bad acting and some funny parts. But the concept of the whole movie alone was so different than any other horror flick and was definitly creative. I recommend this movie to anyone who is creative not to all u dumbasses out there your feeble minds wouldn't even grasp the concept. But overall definitly the best horror flick i've seen.

Comment by:- mikki | | 15 November 2004 | ip: logged

I walked out of the movie becuz of the lame acting, and I'm really not into all that gore. But I heard the ending was really cool. So could anyone tell me what happens? I've looked all over the internet but can't find how Saw ends!

Comment by:- Tiffany | | 17 November 2004 | ip: logged

Whoever doesnt think this movie doesn't have a story then you wernt paying attention you stupid ****s this movie kicked ass.

Comment by:- Predator Fan | | 18 November 2004 | ip: logged

HEY!!!!!!!!! CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME THE ENDING...IN DETAIL PLEASE!! I REALLY WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!

Comment by:- Tiffany | | 18 November 2004 | ip: logged

Admittedly, the acting was pretty mediocre and even laughable at times, but the storyline really did make up for the at-times humorous delivery of the dialogue. The twistedness of the killer's mind, the cleverness behind the traps he sets, the fast pace of the movie, and the many surprises are all good enough motivators to overcome the acting. Although there are a few plot holes when Saw is examined, they don't detract too much from the movie overall. It is a suspenseful movie that will keep you guessing. And to the people who say that the doll on the bike wasn't creepy: Obviously you're entitled your opinion, but I found it creepy for the same reason that many people find dolls like Chucky and ventriloquist dolls scary - because it's an inanimate object that's seemingly self-mobilized - that's incredibly jarring. I did find that scene disturbing because its face is so grotesque and almost profane. Very messed up. But then again, so were a lot of things in the movie! I'd give it a 3/4. It's also pretty gory, so if you're REALLY not the blood n' guts type, you might want to stay away. Although one of my friends, who's the gentle, romantic-comedy type, did like the movie for its cleverness and plot twists.

Comment by:- Elle | | 24 November 2004 | ip: logged

One of the best films i have ever seen. People chuckling in the audience absolutely astounded me. i can only assume that the livestock that is the majority of the public would have felt more intellectually challenged by the polar express, which they should have bought tickets for instead. Mind blowing stuff in saw, and great acting to boot. You plebs make me laugh that you consider the acting bad purely because it wasnt hammed up like in every other ****e " thriller" movie. Go grow a brain and attempt to watch saw again.

Comment by:- Leah | | 03 December 2004 | ip: logged

You all sound like idiots. "The movie was great!" "The movie sucked!" Wow! Just shut up please!

Do you all not happen to know that people have their own opinions? Own preferences?

Oh wow. The movie wasn't scary at all, you say? People were "laughing" all the time, you say? What kind of sick idiots are you guys? Hey! These people are about to die! OMG THAT'S SO FUNNY! If you think death in a painful way is funny, you should quit life right now.

As you may all "not know," this was the director's first film ever made. Do you think he can achieve such perfect acting and perfect plot? NO! I don't see why all you critics expect all movies to be 100% superb to your own tastes.

I watched this movie, and yes I giggled a few times but that was when "Adam" was saying all these obscene humorous jokes. But during the "game scenes," I was curled up into a ball not wanting to see what was about to happen, yet, I do want to know what happens.

"PERSONALLY," I say this movie was a well-produced movie with a great message about the meaning of life. "To me," it was well-worth the money. I understood the message given out, I understood was able to follow the plot, I understood what was going on, overall, I understood everything about what the movie had to offer.

No all you "I like/hate it so do what I say" people, SHUT UP.

Comment by:- Yuji Inagaki | www.roguedawg.net | 05 December 2004 | ip: logged

The movie was good! The actors were lame. People were laughing during the movie. There were some gory scenes, but if you've seen texas chainsaw (2003 version) or 13 ghosts you've seen it all before.

Comment by:- Lewis P | | 12 December 2004 | ip: logged

your all gay

Comment by:- grant risbey | | 12 December 2004 | ip: logged

this movie was awesome. it had a good start and was mad when they showed the other deaths.. after that got a little boring. but still ok. the end was mad! didnt expect that coming. very clever. well done to the two aussies that came up with the idea! go Australia! 8/10

Comment by:- manzy | | 23 December 2004 | ip: logged

Saw is one of those movies where you either like it, or don't . With that said, I think saw was an above average movie, there was suspense at the right times and the acting was on the "O.K" side. With other peoples comments about people laughing at times in the movie, there was no laughing at the theater I was in, to be honost, when I looked around people were on the edge of their seats!

I would give it a 7.5/10

Comment by:- moe22 | | 06 March 2005 | ip: logged

Saw (2004)

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