"Saw" isn't for the squeamish, but those with a strong fortitude will find an epic horror masterpiece.

Rating: 9/10 (3 November 2009)

It's sad to know what "Saw" has become. The series is now synonymous with the words "Torture Porn," and each entry only serves to show more killings for the fun of it. The sequels simply can't grasp what made the first Saw a genuinely good film - True horror. The gore here isn't "For the hell of it," this film is genuinely meant to unnerve and scare: And it does just that. The movie is downright bone chilling in my opinion. The ending, which was a genuinely cool twist as well, still gives me the freaks and whenever I hear the now infamous "Hello Zepp" music, I can't help but remember my reaction when I first saw this film.
The story is about The Jigsaw Killer, a mysterious killer who kidnaps people and places them in twisted "traps." He never actually kills them himself, but plays "games" with them, and gives them one chance to solve the riddle and escape. There has only been one survivor, and Jigsaw has set up one of his most maniacal traps ever - which is where the film begins. The film asks one question: "How much blood would you shed to stay alive?" It's a great concept for a horror movie because in reality, what WOULD you do to stay alive? Would you kill? Would you let others die just to save yourself? Our most basic instinct is to survive, and the crushing tension in Saw makes use of our survival instinct against us.
Saw is unique, not only to its sequels and similar styled horror films, but to the horror genre in general. Although it may have caused controversy and garnered not-so-great reviews from Critics due to its relatively shocking content, in truth it is something important to the horror genre. It came up with a fresh idea (Although some elements can be traced back to "The abominable Dr. Phibes") and managed to turn heads - whether they approved of the film or not. While its sequels may tarnish its name, it can truly stand alone as a unique and creepy film. Even though there is gore, it can be said that like many "slasher" horror franchises, the gore isn't as intense but its still portrayed in a realistic light which makes it more disturbing and unnerving. To some, "Saw" may feel like a modern snuff film, but if you can stomach its contents and want a good and unique horror flick, Saw is for you. The crushing tension and suspense will put you on edge and the films scares are well made too.