A classic of the genre, very recommended!

Rating: 9/10 (5 January 2006)

Although it doesn't take after the book literally, this movie is one of the best adaptations I have ever seen. Based on the novel "The Shining" by Stephen King, the story takes place at the Overlook hotel, where Jack Torrance and his family (his wife, Wendy, and his son, Danny, who "shines") spend the winter, Jack having gotten the caretaker's job there. Being completely isolated from the world due to snowstorms and witnessing manifestations of evil supernatural forces, the Torrances are forced to defend themselves...at all costs.
The concept of "shining" can be explained as telepathy. That is why Danny can talk to Dick Hallorann without having to open their mouths like in a normal conversation.
Stanley Kubrick made a very inspired choice by choosing Jack Nicholson to play Jack Torrance. With his kind of "Damn you!" grin and his ability to fake madness, he scared me more than anything in this movie. Because this movie definitely wouldn't be half as good as it is if it didn't have Nicholson in it. This movie practically "belongs" to him and I wouldn't see anyone else in his role.
A few deviations from the book are present, but are marvelously compensated by other made-up facts.
The movie has good structure and is worth viewing, not only for Jack Nicholson's great performance, but for the simple fact that it didn't need so many flashy special effects to stand up.