One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) follows irrepressible rogue R.P. “McMurphy,” who fakes insanity to escape prison labor and is sent to a psychiatric ward where he collides with the cold, controlling head nurse Mildred Ratched. What begins as a game—McMurphy’s antics, card games and defiant humor—quickly becomes a battle of wills as he rallies the other patients, exposing the hospital’s dehumanizing routines and inspiring fragile men to reclaim a bit of their dignity and voice. The film balances raucous, rebellious moments with quieter, deeply moving scenes, building tension between individual freedom and institutional authority. Viewers will feel energized by McMurphy’s charm and angry at the abuses he confronts, then profoundly affected by the emotional costs of that confrontation. Powerful performances, sharp social critique and a mix of dark comedy and heartbreaking drama make this a gripping, unforgettable experience. Expect to laugh, to bristle at injustice, and to leave shaken and reflective about power, conformity and compassion. Content note: the movie contains strong themes of institutional abuse and intense emotional moments.
Actors: Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman
Director: Milos Forman
Runtime: 133 min
Genre: Drama
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