Saw (2 Disc Limited Collectors Steelbook Edition) [2004] (Region 2) (Import)

This film, which was shot in a scant eighteen days, is stunningly original in concept. I confess that I was totally riveted to the screen for the entire running time of the film, as was my son. Edgy and somewhat surreal, the film clearly demonstrates that the director, James Wan, can certainly do more with less, as the film was shot on a shoestring budget. Yet, he also knows that less is sometimes more, as he keeps the actual amount of on screen gore to a minimum. In doing so, he forces a viewer's imagination to work overtime, which serves to create more suspense than a visual statement of the obvious.

The plot is diabolically clever. It appears that a maniac is on the loose, placing people in fiendish situations that are truly matters of life or death, virtually ensuring that someone dies. The deaths occur in a highly unusual manner, indicative of a complex and maniacal mind at work. Detectives Tapp (Danny Glover) and Sing (Ken Leung) are on the case and hot on this maniac's trail. When on the verge of his capture, however, everything goes wrong, and Detective Tapp becomes somewhat unhinged after a total debacle ensues.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), who was himself a suspect in the case, suddenly finds himself in a filthy, ancient, cavernous bathroom, along with a young man named Adam (Leigh Whannell). Both are chained to pipes in the wall and are disoriented and unsure as to how they got there. Between them and just beyond their reach lies an apparently dead man in a pool of blood, ostensibly killed with the gun that he still holds in his hand. Then, Dr. Gordon and Adam discover that a series of cryptic instructions have been left for them to follow. Each instruction clearly delineates just how precarious their position is.

What follows is a mesmerizing cat and mouse game, replete with a number of twists and turns, that is sure to keep the viewer enthralled. This is certainly a plot driven, rather than character driven, film. Therefore, although some of the acting is not of the highest caliber, it matters not, as it is the plot, and not the individual characterizations, that are at the central core of this gripping film. Moreover, the plot is so creative and riveting, that some of its flaws become virtually insignificant in the overall scheme of things. The screenwriter, Leigh Whannell, who also plays the part of Adam, deserves kudos for his complex and clever screenplay. He deserves less than that for his portrayal of Adam. Mr. Whannell should concentrate on screenplay writing, as it is there that his true gift lies. Notwithstanding this relatively minor criticism, I love this film!

What a surprising film. At last, a fresh, original horror film that isnt Japanese!
Some of you may think Im overrating this movie, you may even think its a load of crap. However, if you do think that, then i would strongly have to disagree. Im not a huge fan of the old video nasties (Driller Killer, The Burning, etc), but I would say of all the more recent horror movies, Saw is as close as you get to being in the spirit of the "Nasties".
If you are reading this, you are probably already familiar with the basic story of the movie, so I'll spare you the whole "Once upon a time..." section, and get right to the good/bad bits.
In actual fact, I didnt focus on any gaffs in the film, which is surprising for me! I just sat back and went on a rollercoaster ride, and I'd advise you (assuming your a hardcore horror fan, like myself!) to do the same.
Word of warning, this is quite a violent, grizzly film. While it does contain a fair share of on-screen violence, it does sometimes revert to the old "Texas Chainsaw" trick, in that it doesnt show you everything, but leaves some stuff to the imagination. However, as you can see this is the Uncut version, this does not happen too often!
The Killer in this movie is quite unique, in that he doesnt actually kill people, he finds horrific ways for them to kill themselves, his "games" as he calls them. He also isnt the usual "guy in the white mask" as in most horror flicks. He has two main 'forms' in this film. First, we see him in a black/red robe, which isnt completely original, but still not the white mask were so sick of. He does, however, have a pig-mask (I thought it looked like a pig anyway, correct me if Im wrong), which is quite creepy and disturbing. You may have seen the clown-dummy on the press material, which is also seen quite alot in this film.
Acting is quite impressive in this film, especially from the two main characters. I have seen Carl Elwes before, but in minor roles. I found his performance in this film very impressive. Newcomer Leigh Whannell (also the writer of the piece) was equally impressive. The biggest name in this film, however, was Danny Glover, although I was glad that his role wasnt a huge one (I originally assumed this movie would have stuck ol' Danny in front of the camera as much as possible, I was wrong.)
The music in this film was quite interesting, it wasnt the usual creepy halloween-type music in most horror films. It fitted the film perfectly. The music in the final scene was brilliant, and really helped make the conclusion what it is.
And what a conclusion it is! (Im gonna try not to spoil it!) I would argue Saw has the best twist ending Ive ever seen! it took me nigh on twenty minutes to digest those final few minutes.
The DVD is satisfactory, with a music video, making-of music video, and a mini-featurette with the writer and director. The surround sound is quite impressive (especially with the killers voice messages on tapes), and the picture is slightly grainy, which makes the film look better in my point of view.
Just watch it!

SAW is one of my favorite films of 2005 and has an absolutley great story which goes well with some decent acting (although the acting can be pretty bad at times).
As i was saying earlier probably the main reson i likr this film so much is because of it's amazing story. The other thing you have to watch in this film is the ending which is one of the best a horror film has ever has, i wont tell you what happens besause it will spoil it but it really will stick with you!
This film isn't really violent but very sadistic at times. The killer in this film doesn't really kill people, he tests them and finds ways of making them kill them-selves because he doesn't like the way people live their lives, he thinks the gift of life isn't something you should waste! (or in short he is completley and totaly mad!)
This is a great film that any horror fan with a PSP should get!