One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest

Miracles happen sometimes. This low-budget film nobody expected anything from and by a director with almost no reputation, went on to become a worldwide hit, winner of five major Oscars and a pearl of world cinema. Louise Fletcher, as Nurse Mildred, is one of the most repulsive creatures and the final scene one of the most emotional and moving in the history of cinema. (13/04/2003)

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. (08/02/2012)

An excellent film in all respects, which, like wine, matures in your head over the viewings. The combination of Milos Forman being on top form and the frantic acting of Jack Nicholson is simply mesmerising. And I could point out every aspect of the film in that same way. In short, a truly legendary piece of work. (19/04/2018)

Excellent, but I can’t give it a full score, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest didn’t impress me enough for that. Besides, I doubt the film was supposed to make me sympathise with the character of Louise Fletcher, and that Nicholson’s character was supposed to get on my nerves. The nuthouse is a brilliantly depressive setting, but the film never managed to transmit that very well to me as a viewer. It just failed to leave me with that unique 100% impression. 85% (16/09/2008)

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. (27/02/2007)