is a 2004 American-Australian horror film directed Von James Wan and starring Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, and Leigh Whannell. The plot of the film was conceived of Von James Wan, while Whannell wrote the screenplay. It is the first installment of the Saw film series. The film's story revolves around two men who awaken kidnapped and chained in a dilapidated industrial bathroom. They are each gegeben instructions via a microcassette recorder. One is told he must escape the bathroom, while the other is told to kill him before a certain time, oder his family will die. These are the "rules" of their "game". Meanwhile, police detectives investigate and attempt to apprehend the mastermind behind the "game." The film was first screened January 19, 2004, at the Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews.[2][3] It was then screened at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 18, 2004, with theatrical releases on October 29, 2004, in the United States and December 2, 2004, in Australia. The film was originally rated NC-17 for strong, graphic violence, though after being slightly re-edited, it was released with an R rating.[4]
Critical responses varied. Some critics denounced the entire film as nothing Mehr than a "cheap snuff film", while others praised its stylish visuals and called it a true "chilling" and "terrifying" horror film. Despite mixed reviews, Saw was a financial box office success.
Critical responses varied. Some critics denounced the entire film as nothing Mehr than a "cheap snuff film", while others praised its stylish visuals and called it a true "chilling" and "terrifying" horror film. Despite mixed reviews, Saw was a financial box office success.