One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest stars Jack Nicholson as Randal McMurphy, a prisoner who is transfered from jail, to a mental institution. It’s not made clear if he is genuinely insane, or rather, and more likely, that he thinks that an insitution will be easier than having to work in prison.
McMurphy, or Mac, is something of a rebel and soon begins to have an effect on the inmates, for better or for worse. Being relatively sane compared to the other inmates takes its toll on Mac and it’s probably that which inspires him to try and inject some life and soul back into the other patients. His somewhat crazy attitude fits in startling well, and some of the patients actually show some signs of progress from Mac’s unorthodox treatment.
Things might have been ok, had it not been for Nurse Ratched, played by Louise Fletcher. She grows frustrated by Mac’s lack of conformity to the schedule, and hinders his efforts at every turn. While never outspokenly evil, and maintaining the facade of someone who wants to help cure the patients, she is cruel and bitter. The part is deliciously played, and its the kind of character you see in real life; horrible people with a sugar coated smile who insist what they are doing is for the good of the people.
Mac makes friends in the institute, and brings the people together. In fact he even breaks out to take the guys out on a fishing trip. He even manages to throw an all night party for them, and you get the sense that something good is happening, albeit in an unusual way. Sadly the party has tragic consequences, and you’ll end up really hating Nurse Ratched, but feel powerless to do anything to put a stop to her evil-doings.
I have never been a big fan of Jack Nicholson, but he is truly flawless in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. It’s a breath-taking performance of the highest calibre. The supporting cast are equally excellent. I recognised many faces such as Christopher Lloyd, Danny de Vito, Brad Dourif and Scatman Crothers. All and more are excellent, and at times I wondered if being with these people would turn me insane in turn. Quite probably I am insane already… 
I found the film happy and sad, and a mixture of all feelings in between. Truly a masterpiece of film making. Highly recommended!
Rating: 10/10
Summary: Breath-taking performance by Jack Nicholson you’d be mad to miss
Memorable moment: [0:56:58] - The boys go fishin’ 
Top 100 position: 12
IMDb: One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
Buy it from: Amazon
Films remaining: 81
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