Saw (2004)
James Wan's debut horror masterpiece introduced the world to Jigsaw — and redefined what a low-budget thriller could achieve.
Saw - Movie Information
- Original Title: Saw
- Release Year: 2004
- Directed by: James Wan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Mystery, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 1, 2004 (United Kingdom - 18), October 29, 2004 (United States - R), October 29, 2004 (Canada - 18A), February 3, 2005 (Germany - 18), March 16, 2005 (France - 16), December 16, 2004 (New Zealand - 18), December 2, 2004 (Australia - MA 15+), February 4, 2005 (Brazil - 16), January 14, 2005 (Italy - T), March 18, 2005 (Spain - 18), March 10, 2005 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: Saw Unrated (US), Sestavljanka groze (SI), Décadence (CA), Saw: juego macabro (MX), 电锯惊魂1 (CN), Пила: Ігри на виживання (UA), 恐懼鬥室 (HK), Skladacka (SK)
- Production Companies: Twisted Pictures, Evolution Entertainment, Saw Productions Inc.
- Production Countries: United States of America
Saw - Plot
Two men wake up to find themselves shackled in a grimy, abandoned bathroom. As they struggle to comprehend their predicament, they discover a disturbing tape left behind by the sadistic mastermind known as Jigsaw. With a chilling voice and cryptic instructions, Jigsaw informs them that they must partake in a gruesome game in order to secure their freedom.
Saw - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the terrifying game begin:
How much blood would you shed to stay alive?
Where to Watch Saw
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Saw - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- James Wan
Main Cast
- Tobin Bell
- Cary Elwes
- Leigh Whannell
- Danny Glover
- Monica Potter
- Ken Leung
- Makenzie Vega
- Michael Emerson
- Shawnee Smith
- Dina Meyer
Writers
- Leigh Whannell
- James Wan
Producers
- Mark Burg
- Oren Koules
- Gregg Hoffman
Saw - FAQs
Who is the Jigsaw killer in Saw?
The Jigsaw killer is John Kramer, portrayed by Tobin Bell. A terminally ill engineer, Kramer devises elaborate death traps to test his victims' will to survive. Though he appears briefly in the original film, Bell's chilling performance became the defining element of the entire franchise.
What is the ending of Saw (2004) explained?
In the shocking finale, the seemingly dead body in the bathroom rises to reveal itself as John Kramer — the Jigsaw killer himself. Dr. Gordon failed to kill Adam in time, so Jigsaw chains Adam in the room, turns off the lights, and leaves him to die, uttering the iconic line: "Game over."
Where can you stream or watch Saw (2004)?
Saw (2004) is available to stream via MovieSphere+ on Amazon Channel. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Plex. Availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for current options in your area.
Is Saw (2004) based on a true story?
Saw is not based on a true story. Director James Wan and writer Leigh Whannell conceived the concept as an original psychological horror scenario. Whannell reportedly developed the idea while anxious about a potential brain tumor, channeling that fear of mortality into the Jigsaw killer's twisted philosophy.
Who are the main actors in Saw?
The principal cast includes Tobin Bell as John Kramer/Jigsaw, Cary Elwes as Dr. Lawrence Gordon, Leigh Whannell as Adam, Danny Glover as Detective Tapp, Monica Potter as Alison Gordon, Ken Leung as Detective Sing, Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young, and Michael Emerson as Zep Hindle.
What is the age rating for Saw?
Saw is rated R in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require accompanying adult supervision. The rating reflects the film's graphic violence, disturbing imagery, strong language, and intense psychological horror content. An unrated cut also exists with additional footage not included in the theatrical release.
How long is Saw (2004)?
The theatrical cut of Saw runs 103 minutes, approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes. An unrated version is also available and contains additional scenes not included in the original R-rated theatrical release. The tight runtime contributes to the film's relentless, claustrophobic pacing.
Did Saw (2004) win any awards?
Saw earned several genre accolades, including wins at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards and the Saturn Awards, where it was nominated for Best Horror Film. Its extraordinary box office return — over $104 million on a $1.2 million budget — cemented its legacy as one of horror's most profitable independent productions.
More About Saw
Explore further details about Saw on these authoritative external resources.