Review of Saw (2004) by David L — 23 Apr 2014

Hands down my all-time favorite film ever made! There has always been a mixed hype towards the franchise but this one film is the single reason I love the Horror genre to the extent I do and why I am such a movie buff.

Now "Saw" is NOT a perfect film in any sense. No movie is perfect (It just doesn't exist). Despite those who push "Saw" to the side simply because they can't handle the grisly material, I don't believe dissing a film's violent content is viable ammo given it is rated "R" for STRONG grisly violence.

Aside from the hate this movie has garnered through the years, let me start with what I love so much about this film. "Saw" MADE horror for our generation. Some argue that "Paranormal Activity" solidified the genre for our time, but "Saw" came first and is much more complex.

Using extremely clever camera work and script writing talent, James Wan is my favorite Director whom also made other Horror gems such as "The Conjuring" and "Insidious". I will admit that the sequels didn't have the same power that the original did, but what sequels really match up to there proceeders or even exceed them? It's almost unrealistic.

The story surrounding "Saw" is so sophisticated and is clearly well-worked out to a point that watching all of the films in sequential order is similar to connecting the pieces of a puzzle where it all makes sense in the end.

Is "Saw" scary? I wouldn't say it's "scary" in the sense most people think but the idea and concept is oddly realistic. The grisly violence is not necessarily made only for shock value but has a great depth in symbolism that some viewers just don't catch on.

The cherry on top is without a doubt the amazing twist ending. I won't give it away for those who haven't seen it but "Saw" is much bigger, better, and more intelligent then so many people give it credit for.

"Saw" IS our generation of Horror and will always be the reason I love movies so much.