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

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    100
    A masterpiece. (9 Jan 1998, p.3D)
    All this critic's reviews
  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. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    100
    Brilliant cinema theatre.
  4. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    80
    Jarring and electrifying drama.
  5. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    So good in so many of its parts that there's a temptation to forgive it when it goes wrong. But it does go wrong, insisting on making larger points than its story really should carry, so that at the end, the human qualities of the characters get lost in the significance of it all. And yet there are those moments of brilliance.
  6. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Vincent Canby
    70
    A comedy that can't quite support its tragic conclusion, which is too schematic to be honestly moving, but it is acted with such a sense of life that one responds to its demonstration of humanity if not to its programmed metaphors.
  7. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Dave Kehr
    70
    This slick and entertaining 1975 film of Ken Kesey's cult novel will inevitably disappoint admirers of director Milos Forman's earlier work.
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 65 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  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.… Full Review »
  2. grandpajoe6191
    9
    If the movie was this heartwarming and friendly, I wonder how good the book is.
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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