

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

A petty criminal fakes insanity to serve his sentence in a mental ward rather than prison. He soon finds himself as a leader to the other patients—and an enemy to the cruel, domineering nurse who runs the ward.
A petty criminal fakes insanity to serve his sentence in a mental ward rather than prison. He soon finds himself as a leader to the other patients—and an enemy to the cruel, domineering nurse who runs the ward.
Total classic! An emotional rollercoaster (intrigued by Jack Nicholson, angry at the nurse, excited about the escape, laughing at the boat trip, sad about some patients, amazed by the Chief etc etc) that very few movies can match. Great acting, great story, great filming, great setting, great everything; it just all comes together in this film. Everyone should see this at least once! At least!
Phenomenal. A must see film before you die ☺
"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" is an extraordinary piece of cinema that truly pushes the boundaries. It's a brilliant exploration of individuality, power, and sanity that defies traditional notions and weaves in philosophical concepts in a deeply captivating way.
At its heart, the film grapples with existentialist themes, most notably those of Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche. The protagonist, R.P. McMurphy, embodied impeccably by Jack Nicholson, is a quintessential existential hero. He lives life on his own terms, fiercely independent and resistant to societal norms - a manifestation of Nietzsche's "Ubermensch" or "Superman". He's a free spirit in a world that seeks to suppress individuality and conform to rigid rules.
McMurphy's struggle against the oppressive mental institution parallels Sartre's concept of "bad faith" - the idea that individuals often surrender their personal freedom to avoid the anxiety of choice and responsibility. The patients, under the rigid control of Nurse Ratched, relinquish their autonomy, preferring the safety of conformity over the risks of freedom.
The film also mirrors Michel Foucault's critique of societal institutions and their role in defining "madness". The mental institution and Nurse Ratched's tyrannical rule serve as metaphors for how society suppresses deviant behavior, labeling those who deviate from norms as "insane".
Furthermore, McMurphy's ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom resonates with the existentialist notion of "authenticity". Despite the tragic end, McMurphy stays true to his authentic self, embodying Sartre's idea that "existence precedes essence".
In sum, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" is a deeply philosophical and thought-provoking film that challenges our perceptions of sanity and conformity. It is a testament to the human spirit's irrepressible desire for freedom, serving as both a cinematic masterpiece and an exploration of existential philosophy. Watch it and be prepared to question, to feel, and to think deeply.
Must-see movie, one of the top ten in mu best of all the time movies, a well told story of battling for justice and motivating people to stand up for themselvs against cruelty, and supression, this a story not about an asylum but is true about every community and socity.
Jack Nickelson acting was Spectacular!
11 out of ten!
Jack Nicholson's performance is truly something special. Jack just has that crazy persona down. He is surrounded by an amazing supporting cast too, Louise Fletcher, Will Sampson, Brad Dourif, and Danny Devito. They are all perfect. This is paced so well and we learn to love all the characters and hate nurse Ratched so much. Even on a rewatch the ending is still so powerful. One of the better best picture winners and deserved to win the Big Five Academy Awards.
Nicholson's exceptional interpretation still moves consciences and is still extremely current. One cannot see him without being moved, without thinking of the great man who was McMurphy, of his intelligence, imagination, sensitivity, courage, generosity. Unforgettable.
"But I tried, didn't I? Goddamnit, at least I did that."
Still one of my all-time favorite movies. Jack Nicholson's best performance, Brad Dourif, Christopher Lloyd, Danny DeVito, Louise Fletcher, Will Sampson, such an amazing cast that will never let a dull moment go by. Amazing fishing trip, a basketball game better then your average All-Star Game, loads of card games, medication, a party, booze, a suicide and a sad ending.
Even after several rewatches One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is still one of Hollywood's best ever.
The basketball game is epic! Lolol.
I've always heard about this movie, but it take me too long to watch it. It was a shot right through the heart
Total classic! An emotional rollercoaster (intrigued by Jack Nicholson, angry at the nurse, excited about the escape, laughing at the boat trip, sad about some patients, amazed by the Chief etc etc) that very few movies can match. Great acting, great story, great filming, great setting, great everything; it just all comes together in this film. Everyone should see this at least once! At least!