One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) is a critically acclaimed drama film directed by Milos Forman, based on Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel. Starring Jack Nicholson as Randle P. McMurphy and Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched, the film explores themes of individuality, insтιтutionalization, and authority. Set in a mental hospital, the story follows McMurphy, a man who fakes insanity to avoid prison time, only to find himself at odds with the hospital’s oppressive system and its cold-hearted head nurse, Ratched.

The plot centers around McMurphy’s rebellious and charismatic behavior, which clashes with Nurse Ratched’s authoritarian control over the ward. As McMurphy befriends the patients, including the shy and withdrawn Chief Bromden (Will Sampson), he stirs up defiance against the insтιтution’s dehumanizing practices.

McMurphy’s attempts to challenge the system, from organizing a poker game to encouraging patients to ᴀssert their independence, lead to escalating tension with Nurse Ratched, who uses manipulation and punishment to maintain control.

The film is notable for its strong performances, particularly Nicholson’s portrayal of McMurphy. His energetic and unpredictable character contrasts sharply with Fletcher’s cold and calculating Nurse Ratched, making their conflict the heart of the film. Louise Fletcher’s performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, while Nicholson received the Best Actor Oscar for his iconic role. The film also won four additional Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest remains one of the most influential films in cinema history. It is praised for its exploration of mental illness, power dynamics, and the human spirit. The film’s powerful critique of insтιтutional control and its portrayal of personal freedom resonate with audiences to this day, securing its place as a timeless classic.