This is a film that has spanned the ages and captured audiences around the world. The story includes good times and bad, both of which have shed light on a variety of psychological and emotional issues. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is five decades old and it still holds a life-changing place in my heart. I have seen this film many times, and I have read the book. Reading the book was a hard, but captivating read for me as I tuned into the words on the page and correlated them with aspects of the movie. There is light and darkness that interweave poetically in this film set in an institution full of troubled minds.

Of course, the movie is known for the mind-boggling performances of Jack Nicholson (as R.P. McMurphy) and Louise Fletcher (as Nurse Ratched), a dynamic duo whose ongoing boxing match has invigorated the film’s fans for years. Given the many events that happen in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, I always contemplate, “What is fair?” The film is based on the novel by Ken Kesey and directed by Milos Forman. It is a masterpiece intended to be produced on stage but that touched a larger audience on-screen.

While watching the film at a local cinema in the western suburbs of Chicago with Fathom Entertainment, I could feel that the audience was enthralled. There was laughter when anticipated, and shock and awe during many emotional moments, including when Nurse Ratched puts her foot down. The abuse of power showcases the wrath of uncertainty in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. McMurphy is the only one brave enough to challenge the system and prove Nurse Ratched wrong. But when she is wrong, she still wins. When that happens, the story takes viewers on a journey of questions and answers which lead to an outcome of tolerance deep within the narrative of the film.

Even though McMurphy’s character is a bad influence, aspects of his personality show layers of empathy especially because of his close bond with his inmates. His friendships with Billy (Brad Dourif), Taber (Christopher Lloyd), Martini (Danny DeVito), and Fredrickson (Vincent Schiavelli) form a special bond that makes the film encouraging. Even though all these characters have done wrong, there is a form of goodness and inspiration within the institution.

Despite all the frustrations, there is light for those seeking change in this setting. The changes that do occur are not just because of authority. The institution is a place of routine and structure, but through the actions of the patients, some of the rigidity is challenged. Nurse Ratched is always the one who brings down the positivity or catches those who are mischievous. Although her job involves laying down the rules,when she provokes anger in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, it builds the notion in McMurphy to rebel. This classic film still successfully thrives in its 50th anniversary restoration. Four out of four stars.