One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Main Plot

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest follows Randle McMurphy, a man who fakes insanity to serve his sentence in a mental institution rather than a prison. Upon arrival, he encounters a strict and authoritarian nurse, Nurse Ratched, who maintains control over the patients through oppressive methods. McMurphy's rebellious spirit clashes with the institution's rigid rules, leading him to inspire his fellow patients to assert their individuality and challenge the oppressive environment. As he attempts to bring joy and freedom to the ward, tensions rise between him and Nurse Ratched, resulting in escalating conflicts. The film explores themes of conformity, freedom, and the struggle against oppressive systems, as McMurphy's presence profoundly impacts the lives of those around him, ultimately questioning the nature of sanity and societal norms.

Characters

• Randle McMurphy, a rebellious patient, challenges oppressive authority in a mental institution, inspiring fellow patients to assert their individuality and resist control.
• Louise Fletcher played Nurse Ratched, a strict, manipulative head nurse who maintains control over the psychiatric ward, clashing with rebellious patient Randle McMurphy.
• Michael Berryman played Ellis, a patient who was subjected to electroshock therapy, often seen standing against the wall, symbolizing the institution's dehumanizing effects.

Ending Explained

At the end of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the main conflict between individuality and oppressive authority reaches a climax. Randle McMurphy, who has been a beacon of rebellion against the authoritarian Nurse Ratched, ultimately faces the consequences of his defiance. After a failed escape attempt, McMurphy is subjected to a lobotomy, rendering him a shell of his former self. This act symbolizes the ultimate triumph of the institutional system over the spirit of individuality. The other patients, deeply affected by McMurphy's influence, are left to grapple with his fate. Chief Bromden, who has been inspired by McMurphy's courage, realizes that he must take action to reclaim his own freedom. In a poignant moment, he decides to end McMurphy's suffering by suffocating him, a tragic but compassionate act that underscores the profound impact McMurphy had on the other patients. Afterward, Chief Bromden escapes the institution, symbolizing hope and the possibility of liberation from oppressive systems. The ending serves as a powerful commentary on the struggle against conformity and the cost of resistance, leaving viewers with a sense of both loss and the enduring spirit of rebellion.