One of the best

Rating: Null/10 (9 January 2002)

SPOILERS
Though this movie was released in 1975, and would therefore be termed mid-seventies, I still group it in the great late 60s/early 70s era of movies. That is because the theme of the anti-hero, so prevalent in the plots of so many films from that time, is paramount here. The character of Randle P. McMurphy epitomizes a heroic figure, without the normal qualities of a paladin, in an unheroic setting and circumstances (and in this case the most unlikely of places, a mental ward). The acting is unbelievable not just by Fletcher (superb!) and Nicholson (who will never surpass his effort here) but the entire cast (featuring unknown at the time talents like Danny Devito and Christopher Lloyd).
The story is outstanding, the dialogue compelling and of course the memorable scenes. Who could forget the `invisible' World Series', the boat trip in which McMurphy introduces the patients as `doctors' to a suspicious harbor master and as the camera shows each, we are given a vivid portrait of the fine line between sanity and insanity, and the dreadful confrontation between the newly empowered Billy and the insidious Nurse Ratched that ends so tragic. Two scenes stand out particularly, where Chief reveals that he can hear and speak and of course the great, great ending! It is a paradoxical finale to say the least. Who could not be saddened as the Chief bravely shows all the mercy he can in saving McMurphy from a living death and who could not be inspired as he tosses the fountain through the window. An all time classic!