Yes, I gave one of the greatest films of all-time a 7

Rating: 7/10 (25 April 2019)

Let's start off with the positives: truly remarkable performances by every cast member, tastefully morbid comedy, heart-warming scenes that depict the human need for freedom and earthly indulgence - I don't need to go into too much detail since those of you who have already seen the movie already know why it is considered to be a cinematic masterpiece, and those of you who haven't probably already have some idea of what the hype is all about.
Since this movie was released in 1975, it wouldn't be fair for me to judge it solely from the point of view of a millennial, since I believe that the rating of a movie is significantly contingent upon the time in which it was released. As such I will refrain from making any references to what a more modern audience looks for in a movie.
McMurphy to me wasn't the hero everyone seems to extol him to be. He did want the best for his peers, yes, but at what cost? He took them sailing, allowing an inexperienced fellow patient to take control of the boat, without regard for everyone else's safety. He was instrumental in several riots and licentious acts within the institution. He was defiant, intractable and just plain obnoxious. I understand that many great films do feature lead characters with villainous qualities and that's okay, but the desired reaction - by the director, of the audience, to the said leads - is usually one of hatred. The movie presents itself in such a way as if we're supposed to regard McMurphy, a criminal, as the hero - and Nurse Ratched as the villain.
Every plot synopsis and summary of this movie labels Nurse Ratched as the villain. Am I missing something? Was it simply because she was an ironfisted authoritarian who donned like one facial expression the whole movie? In my opinion, the same traits that point to her being the villain made her the perfect disciplinarian to the deranged and belligerent. Her style is a reminder that reformation and restoration needs tough love. I don't think she deserved to get strangled the way she did, but that was one of the great scenes in this movie.
Overall, it was an entertaining movie with much to learn from. It goes without saying that these are my two cents, and I have written this review in the hopes of encouraging more objective discussion of our movies.