Common Sense Media Review
Book adaptation has violence, language, suicide references.
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 29 parent reviews
Parents say the film presents a complex portrayal of mental illness and authority, with strong performances, particularly by Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher, but contains significant violence, language, and adult themes that make it unsuitable for children. While some view it as a classic with profound societal commentary, others criticize it for its portrayal of women and mental health, suggesting it may reinforce negative stereotypes.
- complex portrayal
- adult themes
- strong performances
- societal commentary
- unsuitable for children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 46 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Based on Ken Kesey's same-named novel, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST addresses the trials of Randle Patrick McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a criminal who decides to feign insanity to get out of time behind bars and into the "easy life" of the psychiatric ward. But once he's actually inside the white-walled hospital, McMurphy finds himself pitted against Nurse Mildred Ratched (Louise Fletcher). While Ratched manipulates patients in group therapy and uses a regime of medication and electroshock to maintain control, McMurphy demands the right to watch baseball playoffs and takes the other patients outside the hospital grounds on a fishing trip. As the conflict between Ratched and McMurphy escalates, the line between the "crazy" and the "sane" grows increasingly blurry.
Is It Any Good?
Milos Forman's 1975 adaptation of Kesey's novel is a classic for good reason, starting with Nicholson and Fletcher, who turn in near-perfect, Oscar-winning performances. But they're not the only actors who make an impact in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Supporting cast members, including Danny DeVito as Martini and Christopher Lloyd as Taber, create a band of institution residents who are warm and mostly likable, despite their often erratic behavior. Forman's direction is dead-on, as he manages to capture the monotony of routine on the ward without allowing the film to drag.
The years have done little to diminish the movie's power, though its racist, homophobic language and treatment of women should stay in the past. That said, there's no doubt that this is a powerful, uplifting film that continues to have a strong pop culture influence, even spawning a successful spin-off with the TV series Ratched.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and its status in movie history. What makes a movie a "classic"? Why do you think this film has lasting appeal? Does it seem dated to you in any way? Have you noticed its influence or any references to it in other movies or TV shows?
What are the movie's messages? Do you consider any of the characters to be role models? What does the film have to say about labels like "crazy" and "insane"? How are the patients of the psychiatric ward portrayed?
The film is adapted from a novel by Ken Kesey. Have you read the book? If so, how does it compare? What makes a good movie adaptation?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 23, 1975
- On DVD or streaming : September 19, 2002
- Cast : Danny DeVito , Jack Nicholson , Louise Fletcher
- Director : Milos Forman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 128 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Violence and Language
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Winner , Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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