Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Popular but disturbing horror has violence, gore, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Saw
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 91 parent reviews
Parents say this film, often mislabeled as "torture porn," primarily presents psychological tensions rather than extreme gore, with many scenes suggesting violence off-screen. It’s a thriller with a gripping narrative that explores moral dilemmas, but its intense content makes it unsuitable for children, with reviews recommending viewers be 15 or older, depending on their maturity.
- not torture porn
- psychological tension
- intense content
- appropriate for teens
- moral dilemmas
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 299 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is not particularly scary or gory compared to others in the horror genre, often describing it as relatable for teens, with some suggesting it is suitable for viewers as young as 10 or 12, depending on maturity. Many reviewers appreciate the underlying themes and psychological elements, noting that while there is violence and strong language, much of the gore is implied rather than explicit, which helps mitigate its intensity.
- not particularly scary
- suitable for teens
- underlying themes
- implied violence
- strong language
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SAW, two strangers (Cary Elwes and Leigh Whannell) wake up in a room chained to pipes and unable to escape. Gradually they discover that they're part of a twisted game orchestrated by a notorious serial killer called Jigsaw. If they don't solve his puzzle before the clock strikes six, one of them, both of them, or the people they love could end up dead.
Is It Any Good?
The first film in one of the best-known modern horror franchises, this movie made quite an impact on release and has had a great influence on the genre. Mention Saw, and most people will have a reaction, whether they've seen it or not. Such is the power of the imagery involved in both its marketing and the clever way violence is sometimes shown but often implied. The setup poses ethical dilemmas, characters bring a level of sarcasm and humor, and frenetic camerawork and editing portray the sense of panic and horror that stays with you longer than any level of blood or gore could. For some, the implied violence seems gratuitous. For others, this is a clever premise that feels like a unique offering in a genre that often falls back on derivative clichés.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the use of violence in Saw. How much is shown on-screen, and how much is suggested or implied via reactions? Can you think of other movies that imply violence rather than show it in its entirety? How do they compare?
The Saw franchise has a strong fanbase and has inspired many sequels. Have you seen any of them? How do they compare to the original? Can you think of other horror franchises that have spawned a significant number of sequels? What do you think they have in common, if anything?
What do you understand of the Jigsaw killer's reasons behind his crimes? Do you agree with any aspect of them or what he's trying to teach his victims?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 29, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : September 23, 2014
- Cast : Cary Elwes , Danny Glover , Leigh Whannell
- Director : James Wan
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Southeast Asian Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong grisly violence and language
- Last updated : March 17, 2026
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