Awakenings
Directed by Penny Marshall
Dr. Sayer is a pioneering neurologist who wants to take a risk and give his patients who suffer from encephalitis a drug used for Parkinson's Disease. He tries it out on one man who miraculously wakes from his perpetual catatonic state.
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Awakenings Ratings & Reviews
- RecordedsnakeFebruary 2, 2026Awakenings is a powerful and deeply moving film, lifted by unforgettable performances from Robert De Niro and Robin Williams. It explores hope, dignity, and lost time with great compassion, reminding us that even brief awakenings can give life profound meaning.
- DonkeyFlixJanuary 1, 2026If you ever need something that will fill you with deep sadness, this is your movie.
- Tyler SDecember 26, 2025👍👍 9/10
- mickerdooJuly 23, 2025Terrifying, tragic and though provoking. A note on the human experience and life as we know it. Amazing story. De Niro and Williams wow.
- Manuel FrangisMarch 20, 2025I just watched Awakenings and it is an easy 5 out of 5 stars. This movie is powerful emotional and deeply moving in a way that few films ever achieve. It tells a story that is both heartbreaking and inspiring filled with incredible performances and moments that stay with you long after it ends. The movie is based on a true story following a doctor who discovers a way to temporarily bring catatonic patients back to life after years of being unresponsive. What follows is a journey of discovery hope and the bittersweet reality of the human condition. It is a film that does not just focus on medical science but on the personal struggles and triumphs of the patients and the people who care for them. Robin Williams is phenomenal in this role. He plays the doctor with so much heart compassion and depth that you completely believe in his character. This is one of his best performances showing a completely different side of his acting ability. He is not just the funny and energetic Robin Williams most people know. Here he is subtle sincere and absolutely brilliant. Then there is Robert De Niro who delivers one of the most unforgettable performances of his career. Watching his character experience life again after so many years is both beautiful and heartbreaking. The way he captures the emotions of someone rediscovering the world is incredible. Every little expression every movement every moment feels completely real. His performance alone makes this movie worth watching. The chemistry between Robin Williams and Robert De Niro is what makes the movie work so well. Their scenes together are filled with so much raw emotion whether it is moments of joy frustration or sadness. The bond between their characters is what gives the story its emotional weight and makes it more than just a medical drama. The cinematography and direction are simple but effective. The film does not rely on flashy visuals or over the top dramatic moments. Instead it keeps everything grounded and real letting the performances and story shine. The hospital setting feels authentic and the way the film captures the small victories and struggles of the patients makes it even more powerful. The pacing is perfect. The movie never drags or rushes giving every emotional moment the time it needs to fully sink in. The soundtrack is also used beautifully enhancing the emotional impact without ever feeling forced. It is subtle and complements the story perfectly. One of the things that makes Awakenings so special is how it makes you appreciate life in a whole new way. It reminds you to cherish the small moments to appreciate the things we take for granted and to never lose hope even in the most difficult circumstances. It is the kind of movie that stays with you long after you watch it. This is not just a great movie it is an important one. It is a story about humanity compassion and the resilience of the human spirit. It does not try to manipulate your emotions with cheap drama. Everything feels real and honest which is what makes it so powerful. Awakenings is one of the most moving and unforgettable films ever made. The performances are outstanding the story is inspiring and the emotional depth is unmatched. I absolutely love this movie and I will never forget it.
- Desmond DaleJanuary 24, 2025At the heart of the story is the mantra to live every day like it's your last, and as cliched and trite as that type of moral usually reads, Awakenings manages to convey it with an earnestness and cogence that's undeniably moving. Deniro gets to show off his acting chops, as he's tasked with a depiction of a character who goes from catatonic to vivacious and then back again while having to convey every little stage in between and the effects of the aftermath through strong nonverbal cues or at the end just a glimmer in his eyes. The bittersweet ending grounds the story in realism and reminds the audience that this otherwise magical tale actually took place in our flawed, fucked up world. It's one of those films that's so emotionally affecting that I don't think I'll rewatch much, which is a testament to its effectiveness.
Awakenings Trivia
Awakenings was released on December 31, 1990.
Awakenings was directed by Penny Marshall.
Awakenings has a runtime of 2h.
Awakenings was produced by Lawrence Lasker, Walter F. Parkes.
Dr. Sayer is a pioneering neurologist who wants to take a risk and give his patients who suffer from encephalitis a drug used for Parkinson's Disease. He tries it out on one man who miraculously wakes from his perpetual catatonic state.
The key characters in Awakenings are Leonard Lowe (Robert De Niro), Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams), Dr. Kaufman (John Heard).
Awakenings is rated PG-13.
Awakenings is a Drama, Biography film.
Awakenings has an audience rating of 8.9 out of 10.
Awakenings had a budget of $31M.
Awakenings has made $52.1M at the box office.