One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Miloš Forman's landmark drama pits a free-spirited rebel against an iron-willed institution in one of cinema's most enduring confrontations between individuality and control.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Movie Information
- Original Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
- Release Year: 1975
- Directed by: Miloš Forman
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 13m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 19, 1975 (Finland - K-16), November 19, 1975 (United States - R), February 26, 1976 (United Kingdom), March 18, 1976 (Germany - 12), March 1, 1976 (France - TP), April 1, 1976 (Australia), May 28, 1976 (Brazil - 14), March 12, 1976 (Italy - VM14), October 7, 1976 (Spain - 18), September 17, 1977 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: Trichq kkvi bni vrayov (AM), Vlucht boven een koekoeksnest (NL), 飛越杜鵑窩 (TW), 뻐꾸기 둥지 위로 날아간 새 (KR), دیوانه ای از قفس پرید (IR), Gjøkeredet (NO), Qualcuno volò sul nido del cuculo (IT), Lot nad Kukułczym Gniazdem (PL)
- Production Companies: Fantasy Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Plot
A petty criminal fakes insanity to serve his sentence in a mental ward rather than prison. He soon finds himself as a leader to the other patients—and an enemy to the cruel, domineering nurse who runs the ward.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the rebellion begin:
In this clean, orderly, disciplined world, who needs guys like McMurphy? Everybody.
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Miloš Forman
Main Cast
- Jack Nicholson
- Brad Dourif
- Louise Fletcher
- Danny DeVito
- William Redfield
- Scatman Crothers
- Christopher Lloyd
- Will Sampson
- Dean R. Brooks
- Michael Berryman
Writers
- Lawrence Hauben
- Bo Goldman
Producers
- Michael Douglas
- Saul Zaentz
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - FAQs
Is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest based on a true story?
The film is based on Ken Kesey's 1962 novel of the same name. Kesey drew on his experiences working night shifts at a veterans' hospital in Menlo Park, California, where he observed patients and participated in government-sponsored experiments with psychedelic drugs, lending the story a grounded, semi-autobiographical quality.
What does the ending of the film mean?
The ending sees Chief Bromden smother the lobotomized McMurphy to spare him a life without dignity, then escape the institution — fulfilling McMurphy's spirit of rebellion. It symbolizes the triumph of the human will over oppressive systems, even at great personal cost, and suggests that true freedom sometimes demands sacrifice.
Where can you stream One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current options in your area.
Who are the main actors in this film?
The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle Patrick McMurphy and Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched, both delivering Oscar-winning performances. The supporting cast includes Brad Dourif, Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd, Will Sampson, Scatman Crothers, William Redfield, Dean R. Brooks, and Michael Berryman.
Did One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest win any awards?
Yes. The film swept all five major Academy Awards at the 1976 ceremony — Best Picture, Best Director (Miloš Forman), Best Actor (Jack Nicholson), Best Actress (Louise Fletcher), and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is only the second film in history to achieve this rare clean sweep of the top five Oscars.
What is the age rating for this movie?
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects mature themes including institutionalization, psychological manipulation, violence, and adult language. It is intended for viewers aged 17 and older, or those accompanied by a parent or guardian.
How long is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes (133 minutes). Despite its length, the film is widely praised for its tight pacing and sustained dramatic tension, making it an engrossing watch from beginning to end.
Who directed One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
The film was directed by Miloš Forman, the Czech-American filmmaker celebrated for his humanist storytelling and ability to draw extraordinary performances from his casts. Forman won the Academy Award for Best Director for this film, one of two Oscars he received during his career.
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