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Saw (2004)

R  |   |  Horror, Mystery  |  29 October 2004 (USA)
7.7
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Ratings: 7.7/10 from 276,190 users   Metascore: 46/100
Reviews: 1,499 user | 295 critic | 32 from Metacritic.com

Would you kill to live? When a madman tries to teach how much life is worth, two men find themselves in a room with no idea how they got there or why they're there.

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Title: Saw (2004)

Saw (2004) on IMDb 7.7/10

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Cast

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Carla (as Alexandra Chun)
Avner Garbi ...
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Storyline

After waking up in a tiny cell, two men find themselves victim of a serial killer who plays games with his victims and gives them one last chance to survive. If they wish to live, they each have to play their own game as the killer has told them on an audio script. As the film goes on, connections between the victims and the true identity of the never-showed-up killer are revealed. Written by J. S. Golden

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Their saw isn't there to cut their chains, they are there to cut their feet. See more »

Genres:

Horror | Mystery

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong grisly violence and language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

29 October 2004 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

El juego del miedo  »

Box Office

Budget:

$1,200,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£1,239,813 (UK) (1 October 2004)

Gross:

$172,993 (South Africa) (8 April 2005)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

| | | (5.1 surround)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Was re-released in theatres for a week on the Halloween of 2014 for its 10th Anniversary. See more »

Goofs

When Adam is attempting to reach the tape recorder with his shirt his distance from the body changes between shots. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Adam: Help! Someone help me! Is someone there? Hey! Oh shit, I'm probably dead.
See more »

Crazy Credits

The opening title ripples like it was underwater. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Aziz Ansari: Dangerously Delicious (2012) See more »

Soundtracks

Stürm
Performed by Front Line Assembly
Written by Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber
Published by Nettwerk Songs Publishing (SOCAN) / Zomba Songs, Inc. (BMI)
Courtesy of Metropolis Records
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Two strangers mysteriously wake up to find themselves in a derelict basement. Together, they find out how to escape, and if they are really strangers...
9 November 2005 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

I have utmost respect for Wan. To my knowledge, he and his buddies were right out of film school. Instead of slowly building status by making mediocre films, he showed the world right from the get-go that he had something to prove.

Along with Silence Of The Lambs, Saw is the only horror movie that truly chills me. You see, I am not easily frightened by gratuitous bloodshed and screams that you might see in films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The plot has to be coherent, and there can't be anything ridiculous like a monster. Saw evokes strong emotions of terror and fear, all the while remaining plausible. Well, the story is actually unlikely, but everything in the film is physically possible.

The scenes that are meant to be frightening don't require things that jump out at you every two seconds, or cheesy orchestral flailings. The situation is what frightens you, not the presentation. Saw does have some second-rate acting, but then again it is a low-budget film and I suppose they couldn't exactly afford Robert De Niro. The script is not fantastic, but one true redeeming quality of the whole film is the story. It is dense, complex, but so captivating. I can only think of a few mystery plot lines that can even compare to this one. The Usual Suspects is probably up there, but Saw stands alone.

I strongly recommend this film who appreciate good stories, and aren't easily scared by the garbage you see in theaters like House Of Wax. For people who get squeamish, steer clear of this film. It is very nice graphic, and very sadistic at times. A brilliant debut, and a terrifying ride. 9/10.


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