Rent One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Funny, sad, Brilliant - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest review by JD

When i was a lad, my dad told me this was a brilliant film.

30 years later - i watch it for the first time. And yep, its brilliant.

Its no wonder this is a staple of best film ever lists. Having recently also watched 12 angry men for the first time, I do wonder whats gone wrong in the movie industry that despite all the learnings and improvements - these very old films stand out as exceptional by modern standards.

Moving, Thought Provoking & Hilarious Drama - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest review by GI

This is an intelligent, powerful and very funny drama and in my opinion Jack Nicholson's best performance. Set in a US mental hospital in the 1960s where the highly charismatic petty criminal Randal McMurphy arrives having agreed to be mentally assessed to avoid work in prison. He brings a change to the mundane lives of the various male patients and challenges the authority of the tyrannical Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher in a frighteningly cold and award winning performance). The comedy whilst dark is absolutely hilarious mainly through Nicholson's wonderful reactionary performance. But the comedy is tinged with the terrifying portrayal of the conditions which are used to shine a very bright light on society and it's treatment of difference. If you go by this film's message then everyone should be incarcerated!. There's a really disturbing scene of electro-shock treatment being applied and even after many viewings it's scary stuff. The film has uplifting moments but ultimately it's a sad tale and it's one of those films that even though you know how it ends you secretly wish that just this one time it maybe different; a bit like wishing Steve McQueen makes that jump in The Great Escape (1963). This is one of those films that everyone should make sure they see, it's simply a masterpiece of modern cinema and deserves the many accolades and awards it has received.

Jack's Classic - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest review by NC

Old film now, but Jack nails it. Had some really unique films out around this era. Easyrider onwards in continuous chain. Still has something dynamic on screen, even today...........very naughty Hollywood boy.............lens loves him though.............