At the time of writing this film already has 1469 reviews on IMDB and by the time anyone reads this it may be a fair bit more than that. The Wikipedia article is extensive and cites 166 references, referring mostly to an extensive body of work a lot of which is about the inconsistencies and hidden meanings in this film. So what do you say about a film that has been the subject of so much scrutiny already? Most folk who watch it now, for the first time, will have heard of it already and a good number will already have a fair grasp of the main plot points. in the normal run of things this makes for a poor movie watching experience, but in this case that is not so; the film is still frightening, still fascinating, and still slightly baffling even when you are watching it for the third or fourth time. Kubrick's film leaves you guessing and speculating about the true meaning of the plot and the motivations of the characters; some see this as a weakness (a 'better film' might have been more explicit) but I think it is all part of what makes the film so special. Some folk accuse Nicholson of 'sabotaging the film' but I don't see how this is possible; sometimes filming of a single short scene took all day, there were that many retakes; if Kubrick didn't get the exact performances he wanted, it wasn't for lack of trying.Technically the film is very well done; the scenery, the lighting, the innovative steadycam camerawork, the score; it is all very well done.The casting of this movie is also superb; well before they have any apparent reason to be so, Shelly Duvall looks vulnerable and frightened , and Jack Nicholson is looking more than a little manic. You just know it is going to be downhill from there....It is worth noting that, starting with the same premise, a similar script etc, it would have been possible make a very straightforward film, absolutely lacking in the qualities that make this film so interesting. Testament to the brilliance, obsession even, of Kubrick, I'd say.I am not a big fan of horror movies per se, but I do like films that are well done, in almost any genre, and I do like films that get people talking. This film fits both of those requirements admirably well. Well worth watching.

The Shining is a masterful piece of cinema. And when you find out it was directed by Stanley Kubrick, you cannot be surprised. I do think this is a good way to get into Kubrick films and this should be the first one you watch. It really gives you a sense of his style. The first thing I'll write about is the look of the film. This film looks marvellous. The hotel's interior is iconic and it's exterior is not like the Bates' Motel from Psycho but does look like a genuine hotel, all part of the illusion. The cinematography is excellent and the directing is perfect. The acting is superb. Jack Nicholson gives a performance that conveys his gradual fall into insanity. Shelley Duvall presents a great image of a terrified wife, at the expense of Kubrick's notorious treatment of her. Scatman Crothers and Danny Lloyd, the "Shiners" of this film are also completely believable. The overall story is brilliant. And what I love about it is that every time I watch it, it gets better. It's not one of the tricky Kubrick films which aren't great first time around but are masterpieces ie 2001: A Space Odyssey. The first time you watch it you may feel some parts were okay. But second time around, knowing what happens makes it all the better. There's so many details and one of the best parts of the film is the questions it asks you and how you think of it after. It provokes a lot of thought and is famous for the theories surrounding it. Overall I'd say that this is debatably, Kubrick's best and although it may not scare like it did in 1980, it does have the occasional haunting moment (and definitely scares when thinking about it after), it entertains thoroughly. An easy decision for one of the few movies I consider flawless: 10/10.

Wasn't good as I thought I know a lot of people liked this movie but in my own opinion I just wasn't a fan I thought it was boring and the ending was quite dull but that is just my opinion I think it would be interesting to see a remake of this movie like they did with IT I thought the remake of IT was much much better then the original

Although 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange rank among the greatest films of all time, there's no doubt that Kubrick's The Shining is a flawless work of art with psychedelic, subconscious imagery and masterful filmmaking. It is an effective horror film for providing suspense. The framing and direction are as flawless and brilliant as we've all come to expect from Stanley Kubrick.