Great psycho-horror movie

Rating: 8/10 (1 June 2013)

Overall the plot is quite solid and there are several very satisfying twists along the way. The dialogue is fairly well written and the characterization is good. The villain's motivation is a little shallow, but remains plausible. Also some of the secondary characters could have used a bit more depth, especially as some of them are more important to the plot than they appear at first glance.
Not much can be said about the acting. The then not so well known actors play the parts convincingly and the drama is believable.
Saw has gained a reputation for being a blood soaked gorefest not for the faint of heart. This reputation may be true for the sequels, but surprisingly the first one is quite harmless. This is really a film in the psycho horror genre, most of the violence is suggested or occurs off screen. The horror is brought on through the power of suggestion and the fact that it is disturbingly realistic.
The direction is well paced and the film carries some serious tension with a few genuine jump moments. This is only enhanced by the cinematography and the editing, both executed in an original way to ensure a very unnerving and twisted viewing experience.
Saw did not have the highest of budgets, but it is one of those films where the lack of production value is compensated by a good script and solid directing. Aside from the odd cheesy or gruesome moments I can definitely recommend this film.