Awakenings Movie Information

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Movie Information

Overall Rank: 1036

Average Rating: 2.9/4

# of Ratings: 172

Theatrical Release Date: 12/19/1990

Language: English

Genre: Drama

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Director: Penny Marshall

Actors: Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, Julie Kavner, Ruth Nelson, John Heard, Penelope Ann Miller

Plot: There's a new doctor in the psychiatric hospital. And, he tries a new drug for his catatonic patients with miraculous effects. -- sapien

Unknown - wrote on 09/12/2015

Almost dips into a schmaltzy tone. Luckily, it's upheld by two strong convincing performances from De Niro and Williams. Manages to stratal the line of being uplifting and sad in equal measures. The catatonic illness is explored to fascinating discoveries. A fine drama.

Yojimbo - wrote on 06/05/2012

Another decent but over-rated melodrama starring Robin Williams. DeNiro adds presence and the story is a moving one, but it all could've been done with rather more subtlety.

donkeyknight - wrote on 05/03/2011

It's memorable, but falls short of greatness. Williams in yet another wise doctor role (his two modes: wise bearded man, annoying man-child). DeNiro's seeming desire to imitate Dustin Hoffman's Rain Man success. The minor roles were cast so well (Marge Simpson was the best part of the movie) it's a shame that the two main actors are unable to make you forget you're watching Williams and DeNiro.

Daniel Corleone
Movie God

Awakenings review

Daniel Corleone - wrote on 05/06/2013

The overall premise is likened to Rain Man and One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest. Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams) is an introvert Doctor who cares for encephalitis lethargica. One particular patient namely Leonard Lowe (Robert De Niro) proves that the patients can be cured. The soundtrack was well picked, artists as support were believable though the female support were uninteresting. Robert De Niro was the highlight with his spectacular method acting though Robin Williams was convincing, his role was not that entertaining enough. The two leads had screen chemistry and the direction was suffice. Something lacks however, which makes an everlasting imprint as one of the best films on the subject. Awakenings shows how one man is able to research extensively to find a cure, lost …