One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest

What more can I say about this cinematic gem when practically everything has been said. This film stands especially on the performances of the many actors involved: the bohemian Jack Nicholson, the devilish Louise Fletcher, the good-natured Will Sampson, the dim-witted Brad Dourif, all of whom give wonderful performances. It is because of them, and the oppressive mental hospital setting that almost always works, that this film the most celebrated Czech director is a cinematic gem of the highest quality. In short, a beautiful made film for which we can be truly grateful to Miloš Forman. (09/17/2011)

As a local film reviewer who has been writing movie reviews for about 7 years, it’s quite a shame not to have written something about this 45-year-old classic. I must start by saying that Jack Nicholson is a true acting genius. He has proven this in many films, and here he confirms that when he fully immerses himself in a role, he can deliver a legendary performance that will be recorded in cinematic history. His character, McMurphy, who treats everything with humor, is full of biting remarks and always has the last word, is one of the most exquisitely written characters, and it is even better translated to the screen. But besides him, the rest of the cast doesn't just play second fiddle; the supporting characters also shine in many ways (for example, DeVito as Martini is a great showcase of his talent). Louise Fletcher, most likely a deserved Oscar winner, was fascinating to watch as her anger and indignation slowly boiled over with the increasing runtime, culminating in an inevitable explosion. And the ending is truly a genius affair; the scene by the bed with the Chief was emotionally overwhelming. It was expected, but Miloš Forman presented it with such mastery that you were left with your mouth agape. Literally. A powerful film that leaves an even stronger impact. For me, it gets 90%. (09/20/2020)

There isn’t much to add. The label of one of the best films in history is very well deserved, as well as the five Oscars in the five major categories. It revitalised Miloš Forman's career in an incredible way, helping him rise to the position of a respected and successful great director. But where would this film be with a different cast? The praise here is not only due to Jack Nicholson, whose performance is brilliant and heartfelt, and I rank it among the best I've ever seen, but also to the other actors involved, who are incredible as the madmen and give the film a distinct authenticity and power. The story is precisely written and directed, Louise Fletcher is both charming and devilish at the same time, and the ending is an unforgettable experience that everyone should savour. (02/08/2012)

A truly good and interesting movie. I’m not too keen on Jack Nicholson, but here he gives an excellent performance and his McMurphy is a really great piece of acting, but equally great is Will Sampson in the role of the taciturn Chief. In fact, all of the acting performances deserve admiration. Perfect nutters :-). And Louise Fletcher as the dictatorial nurse is asking to be strangled. Forman’s masterpiece. (02/27/2007)

It may be surprising in connection with the name of Miloš Forman, but his name always comes to mind whenever I think of political motifs in film-making, specifically left-wing political concepts. While his films don't feature revolutions or strike movements, nor are they simple and clear political manifestos, Forman works in a complex way with the basic ideals of intellectual leftism and depicts in his films the boundaries of human freedom, democracy, and equality. For example, in Ragtime, he explores the issue of racial emancipation, in Hair the anti-war movement, and in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, as an uninvolved observer, he follows the perennial conflict between authoritarianism, hiding behind competence and responsibility for the entrusted flock, represented by the "big" sister, and between free-thinking and anarchy represented by the volatile character portrayed by Jack Nicholson. On one hand, there is responsibility, but do we even know if those who decide are always selfless and just? On the other hand, are those who operate under the concept of absolute freedom capable of bearing the responsibility for the consequences of their actions, and would a society composed solely of McMurphys function? Wouldn't what we admire in his fight for his own rights soon be at our throats if it surrounded us? And above all, is democratic voting in a society composed of average individuals often with poor education, low intelligence, and minimal motivation the best way to govern society? Doesn't democratic choice when appointing a political position equate to voting by incapacitated patients in a psychiatric institution? From an acting, directing, and screenwriting perspective, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is one of the peaks of world cinema, and Forman has rightfully become a legend of American cinema. Overall impression: 100%. (01/14/2012)