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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Image
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Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 65 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Louise Fletcher
  • Summary: A nice rest in a state mental hospital beats a stretch in the pen, right? Randle P. McMurphy (Nicholson), a free-spirited con with lightning in his veins and glib on his tongue, fakes insanity and moves in with what he calls the "nuts." Immediately, his contagious sense of disorder runs up against numbing routine. No way should guys pickled on sedatives shuffle around in bathrobes when the World Series is on. This means war! On one side is McMurphy. On the other is soft-spoken Nurse Ratched (Fletcher), among the most coldly monstrous villains in film history. At stake is the fate of every patient on the ward. (Warner Bros.)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    100
    Brilliant cinema theatre.
  2. Empire
    Reviewed by: Jake Hamilton
    100
    Too many classic set pieces to mention but keep your ears cocked for that immortal line "Mmmm, Juicy Fruit." Certified brilliance.
  3. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    100
    A masterpiece. (9 Jan 1998, p.3D)
    All this critic's reviews

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. ReviewCritic
    10
    Jack Nicholson is awarded his first of three Oscars for his performance as Randle P. McMurphy, a con trying to make his life easier by pretending he is crazy, so he can go to a mental institution, or "Cuckoo's Nest". Louise Fletcher also won an Oscar as Nurse Ratched, a quiet character oozing with evil. Sometimes crazy, sometimes wise, sometimes sad, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a sure classic.… Expand
    • 3 of 4 users said yes
  2. rollingstone82
    10
    One of the greatest and most iconic films ever made. 79? 79??? People are nuts. This movie is one of the most remembered classics in the history of cinema. With engaging and fully developed characters, a good story, great dialogue, and overall wholesome entertainment, the metascore is 79? Tell me if you have ever seen Jack Nicholson in a more rebellious, free-spirited, fun-loving, iconic role than R. P. McMurphy. In fact, could any other actor do that type of role with the same energy and enigma Nicholson brought to the table? Never. This was a destined role for a great actor like Nicholson. He lives and breathes the character as if he is the essence of the film. And Louise Fletcher? Even though in her entire career, this was the only role she was known for, it is STILL one of the greatest villains in history. Fletcher plays Ratched with no smile, all work, and a sinister need for control. And the supporting cast of mental patients are equally brilliant. This movie has everything an entertaining movie needs: plot, great characters, great dialogue, emotion, comedy, tragedy. This film is epic. It is a shame critics still disfavor such a classic.… Expand
    • 1 of 2 users said yes
  3. AlexB.
    5
    This coulda shoulda and woulda been one of the best American movies ever made if the idiots Bo Goldman and Lawrence Hauben actually knew how to adapt while staying true to one of the best American novels of the 20th century.… Expand
    • 0 of 3 users said yes

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