a template for "Saw"?

Rating: 6/10 (21 October 2006)

Cube is an example of minimalist film-making at its best.this movie may have been the template for "Saw".the plot is very simple.basically,a group of people find themselves in a labyrinthine maze full of rooms,many of which are filled with lethal traps.the group must then try to to survive and find a way out.there is an interesting group dynamic going on as each person reacts differently to their predicament,each offering their own ideas of why they are there and how to escape. naturally paranoia sets in affecting each person differently,with conspiracy theories abounding.the acting performances are solid.however,there is never any clear reason given as to why these people are there,and who or what may be behind it all. this is the only complaint i have of this movie.it would have been nice to know the purpose of it all and the motivation behind it. this a minor complaint though.this a very thought provoking film,which does not rely heavily on special effects,or gore,though there are two gruesome scenes.this is more of a study of psychology and human relations.it is a very low key movie,which works in its favor. 6* out of 10