"Catch-22," directed by Mike Nichols and based on Joseph Heller's acclaimed novel, is a satirical exploration of the absurdities of war and bureaucracy. Set during World War II, the film follows Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier, who is desperate to maintain his sanity amidst the chaos of military life.

Yossarian's primary struggle revolves around the infamous "Catch-22" rule, which dictates that airmen can be declared insane and grounded if they request to be relieved from duty. However, the very act of making such a request proves that they are sane enough to continue flying missions. This paradox encapsulates the film's dark humor and critique of the military establishment.

As Yossarian navigates a cast of eccentric characters, including the scheming Milo Minderbinder and the delusional Colonel Cathcart, he grapples with the futility of war and the relentless pursuit of survival. The film's nonlinear narrative and surreal sequences highlight the absurdity of the situation, ultimately leaving viewers to ponder the true cost of conflict and the nature of sanity in an insane world.