Awakenings (1990)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Spencer S

  
  Awakening to the world after thirty years, lost youth, the incomprehensible loss of who you were in contrast to who you could be in the future, is a heavy subject matter. Luckily we have the extraordinary efforts of actors Robin Williams and Robert De Niro to encapsulate the spectrum… More
  Awakening to the world after thirty years, lost youth, the incomprehensible loss of who you were in contrast to who you could be in the future, is a heavy subject matter. Luckily we have the extraordinary efforts of actors Robin Williams and Robert De Niro to encapsulate the spectrum of human behavioral science and emotion. The aspects of the film that make it true are for certain the most astounding, drawing on the experiences of neurologist and author Oliver Sacks, who worked with catatonic patients from the 1917-1928 encephalitis epidemic. What is really very disturbing about the film, is watching fictionalized Dr. Malcolm Sayer come to the conclusion that these patients are in fact only sedate, and have the mental faculties to make a full recovery. This is both good news for their future state, and devastatingly horrifying to think of their mental prison for the past thirty years, trying to communicate with the broader world but being limited by their own body. We watch the good doctor bring back Leonard Lowe (De Niro), a child at the time of his crisis, and now a full grown man with the faculties of an infant. His transformation is subdued, nothing overall astounding about his awakening, since no one seems able to witness them when they happen. He wakes from sleep, recognizes that he's back with the tender joy of a child, and remembers the death of his former state, but not the events of the past thirty years. As the other patients also awaken, and their journey begins, we're fed the horror of wasted life, the principle of the film to drive you into living when others cannot. The premise was executed in a fairly original way, the acting was sincere and realistic for the otherworldly circumstances that developed from it, and everything is believable and neither sappy nor unenjoyable. It's only the longwinded approach to certain sections that keeps me from enjoying it through and through, the lack of true depression at the very end, only the possibility for Sayer to finally live now that he's seen the worst of unused potential. It's too bittersweet a taste for me when I've gone through the rigmarole of this film.

• Chris W

  
  The last time I saw this was sometime in the early 1990s. but back then I didn't really get much out of it, nor do I really remember much of it. Rediscovering it recently has been a great joy This is a remarkable and touching film that could have gone so many different ways,… More
  The last time I saw this was sometime in the early 1990s. but back then I didn't really get much out of it, nor do I really remember much of it. Rediscovering it recently has been a great joy This is a remarkable and touching film that could have gone so many different ways, such as sappy melodrama, angry One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nestish anti-establishmentarianism, or what have you. There are elements of these things, but the film nicely finds a nice balance, and is probably all the better because of it. This is a really good film, and I liked it a great deal, but I figured I would love it. That is not the case, but I'm not sure what it is that is keeping me from giving it a higher grade. Let's just call it a very high B+, because that seems like a great way to categorize it. The performances are terrific. Again, like the film overall, the actors achieve a very nice balance, and avoid sending the wrong message, or overplaying it, espeically De niro and the other catatonics. It is so easy to make a wrong move playing a character such as that which demands sensitivity, yet still getting the point across. As Leonard, this seems to be one of De Niro's forgotten roles. That's a shame too, because he delivers a wonderful performance. Williams is also great as the doctor trying to reach him, as well as make a connection with the rest of the world, of which he has a hard time relating to. Julie Kavner is also really good as the nurse who is the closest to Williams's doctor. This is going to sound really cynical, but it seems odd to me that this was a theatrical release. This is troubling because it seems to me like this kind of movie, if made today, would more than likely (for the most part) not be a theatrical film, and instead a tv-film for HBO or Showtime or something. I'm not knocking those productions, but it just seems sad to me that really good films like this aren't being made as much as they once seemed to. Give this one a look, it's a heartwarming film that is touching, inspiring, yet not overbearing in its message. The last time I saw this was sometime in the early 1990s. but back then I didn't really get much out of it, nor do I really remember much of it. Rediscovering it recently has been a great joy This is a remarkable and touching film that could have gone so many different ways, such as sappy melodrama, angry One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nestish anti-establishmentarianism, or what have you. There are elements of these things, but the film nicely finds a nice balance, and is probably all the better because of it. This is a really good film, and I liked it a great deal, but I figured I would love it. That is not the case, but I'm not sure what it is that is keeping me from giving it a higher grade. Let's just call it a very high B+, because that seems like a great way to categorize it. The performances are terrific. Again, like the film overall, the actors achieve a very nice balance, and avoid sending the wrong message, or overplaying it, espeically De niro and the other catatonics. It is so easy to make a wrong move playing a character such as that which demands sensitivity, yet still getting the point across. As Leonard, this seems to be one of De Niro's forgotten roles. That's a shame too, because he delivers a wonderful performance. Williams is also great as the doctor trying to reach him, as well as make a connection with the rest of the world, of which he has a hard time relating to. Julie Kavner is also really good as the nurse who is the closest to Williams's doctor. This is going to sound really cynical, but it seems odd to me that this was a theatrical release. This is troubling because it seems to me like this kind of movie, if made today, would more than likely (for the most part) not be a theatrical film, and instead a tv-film for HBO or Showtime or something. I'm not knocking those productions, but it just seems sad to me that really good films like this aren't being made as much as they once seemed to. Give this one a look, it's a heartwarming film that is touching, inspiring, yet not overbearing in its message.

• Mike S

  
  Wonderful movie, with some truly phenomenal performances by Robert De Niro and Robin Williams. A story that builds quite slowly, but doesn't get boring for a single second, thanks to its beautifully written script and terrific acting. It was fun to see Julie Kavner (known best to… More
  Wonderful movie, with some truly phenomenal performances by Robert De Niro and Robin Williams. A story that builds quite slowly, but doesn't get boring for a single second, thanks to its beautifully written script and terrific acting. It was fun to see Julie Kavner (known best to the world as the voice of Marge Simpson) in one of the supporting roles. The film is also a proud moment for us Swedes, as two of our greatest actors are found within the cast; namely Max von Sydow and Peter Stormare. A pleasant surprise to be sure, even if their characters have minimal screen-time. But the real treat of this film is the very powerful and touching story, holding many goosebump-inducing moments and a fantastic pay-off. Being based on real-life events, also further increased that emotional magnitude. To make a comparison, it's got a lot of things in common with <i>One flew over the Coocku's Nest</i>, and is just as brilliant. Quite a mystery though that this one has received so little mention. Because it deserves to be seen, and certainly ranks as one of the greatest dramas ever made. A movie for the heart and soul, that will leave you deeply moved by the time the curtains go down and we say goodbye to its characters.

• Film C

  
  Amazing movie! Brilliant performances from both Williams and De Niro, its exceptional acting that is award winning. I like it because its based on a true story as well! i like the storyline and its really emotional as well!! really worth a watch!!

• Anthony L

  
  A very sweet film, tactfully, intelligently and beautifully made.

• Tim S

  
  An astonishing film. A very rare performance from Robert De Niro.

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  Monumentally touching. The beautiful score and cinematography help set the heartwarming mood of this lovely film. Well written and directed (Steven Zaillian; Penny Marshall). Robert De Niro gives one of the best performances I've ever seen, innocent and vulnerable, as well as… More
  Monumentally touching. The beautiful score and cinematography help set the heartwarming mood of this lovely film. Well written and directed (Steven Zaillian; Penny Marshall). Robert De Niro gives one of the best performances I've ever seen, innocent and vulnerable, as well as tough and smart. He nailed this role completely. Robin Williams, who, after seeing this, I no longer hate (I guess I hate him whenever he does comedy, but he's a fine dramatic actor). Penelope Ann Miller and Julie Kavner complete the impressive cast with their sincere performances.

• Curtis L

  
  Sad story. It would suck big time to have this disease. This was one of the few Robin Williams roles that I didn't hate.

• Lady D

  
  Atruly amazing tale, based on true events. A well played role by Deniro and Williams. An emotional story and dilemma spurring Neurological research into a group of people with a chronic 'mystery' condition.

• Candy R

  
  A doctor introduces a new drug that awakens victims of an encephalitis epidemic. Great performances by Robert De Niro and Robin Williams.

• Lanning :

  
  One of De Niro's award-worthy Oscar nominations for best actor. Definitely one of his most moving performances. He was doing this at the same time as <i>Goodfellas</i>. What a range. Julie Kavner is outstanding as well. I wonder why she didn't get a best… More
  One of De Niro's award-worthy Oscar nominations for best actor. Definitely one of his most moving performances. He was doing this at the same time as <i>Goodfellas</i>. What a range. Julie Kavner is outstanding as well. I wonder why she didn't get a best supporting actress nod for this.

• Leigh R

  
  Beautiful and tragic.

• Jose Z

  
  Such a great movie, no wonder why in the 90's it deserved some Oscar nominations. A touching, emotional and inspiring story about a shy doctor with no life that arrives to the chronic hopital in the bronx to work with post-encephalitic patients, there he meets Leonard a man… More
  Such a great movie, no wonder why in the 90's it deserved some Oscar nominations. A touching, emotional and inspiring story about a shy doctor with no life that arrives to the chronic hopital in the bronx to work with post-encephalitic patients, there he meets Leonard a man who's been catatonic for nearly 30 years.While he helps Leonard to restarts his life he began to learn how live live his own. The plot is totally convincing and very well developed. The directing was great, Director Penny Marshall did a great job with a very simple view of how's the life ofthat kind of patients and of the people around them with a very good movie rythm that flows perfectly and never bores you. The cast is simply excellent, having a pair of actors like Williams and De Niro together in the same film its just worthy. Robert De Niro's performance was flawless, there's no doubt that it was an Oscar nomination role, Robin Williams was also great as Dr. Malcolm Sayer, one of his best performances ever. The secondary roles from Penelope Ann Miller, Julie Kavner, John Heard and Ruth Nelson were very good and gave the necessary supportto the movie. This was a enjoyable and tear dropping movie that touches the deepest region of your heart and soul. Recommendable for everyone.

• xGary X

  
  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. Not bad though.

• Lafe F

  
  A simply story, about a doctor (Robin Williams) who tries a new drug on comatose patients and wakes them up. Robert De Niro is the central patient we follow. The story is enlightening, but then sags to sadness as the drug no longer has an effect. Bloody comas!

• Dean M

  
  Heart-warming drama and De Niro gives his usual dedicated performance, but Williams and Julie Kavner are also splendid.

• Bradley W

  
  Awakenings is an astounding and beautiful film to witness and one of the best performances on De Niro and Williams careers. Its a film about true happiness in life, a movie about the beauty of the human mind, and a movie that can just up lift your spirits where its very hard to be… More
  Awakenings is an astounding and beautiful film to witness and one of the best performances on De Niro and Williams careers. Its a film about true happiness in life, a movie about the beauty of the human mind, and a movie that can just up lift your spirits where its very hard to be depressed watching a masterpiece like this. This movie showed me much about how a mind can be just in a vegetable like state and it also reminded me of one of my favorite films One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, both are just perfect movies and Awakenings is a movie that showed me and taught me so much about life. The story follows Dr. Sayer (Robin Williams) and his patient Leonard (Robert DeNiro). Leonard has been in a mentally ill state for about 30 years and he lives at a mental institution. Sayer has discovered a drug that maybe able to help Leonard and decides to try and help him, and then when the drug is a success Sayer decides to use it on his other patients. Leonard however is new to this world and is trying adjust to life and love when he meets a beautiful woman. These two men might find what they needed in life after all. The plot was incredible and showed me so much about life and its surroundings. The way Leonard is adjusting to life and is learning all these new skills and you wonder what it would be like to be cut off from the world for that long, and his awakening just made me smile, such a masterpiece. The characters are incredibly detailed and interesting if you ask me. Dr. Sayer is a great man and I could easily like him and how he just wants to help these peoole with the goodness of his heart. Leonard however is the show stealer, his awakening into a new life is something to behold and he grows to be very smart and kind and gets many emotions which showed me a lot about a human life, such a beautiful character. This story was incredible as were the characters and just everything about it. The cast stars two of some of the best actors I can think of and they both play Oscar worthy performances. Robert DeNiro is a incredible actor and this is one of those movies he will be remembered for, his performance as a mentally ill man is uncanny at how beautiful he does it. Robin Williams is a amazing actor, whenever he plays an emotional role he does it with perfect aim and he is impossible not to love. The entire cast fo their role great but these two actors will be remembered for a few roles in life, and I believe this will be one of them. Awakenings is a film I consider almost impossible to not like. Its has everything a movie needs to be perfect, a true and honest story and characters, a great cast, and great production that form this to be a movie that I found extremely insightful. If you need a film that will show you a true side of human life and makes you think about things that you have botheted to overlook, which is something Leonard mentions in the film that humans overlook the little details in life which I found to be a beautiful theme that the film taught and I can honestly recommend this movie to everyone who wants the perfect drama.

• Cameron J

  
  I love how I had took this morning off, because I found out at the last minute that Nick Nolte was more significant than De Niro in "Cape Fear", thus contradicting Robert De Niro Week and then I get to this film and Robin Williams ended up being more focused upon than De… More
  I love how I had took this morning off, because I found out at the last minute that Nick Nolte was more significant than De Niro in "Cape Fear", thus contradicting Robert De Niro Week and then I get to this film and Robin Williams ended up being more focused upon than De Niro. Oh, the irony. Well, to be fair, I also took this morning off because my reviewing skills are at their absolute weakest in the morning and at their very best at night. Boy, what a night to have the creative juices flowing, because we've got some stuff to discuss here. Of course, not all of it is good, as the film suffers from a lack of development, overdrawn segments, expendable sequences and a deal of cheesy points in the final act. Really, there's not much to complain about in the film, but there's not a whole lot to praise. Of course, what little there is to praise is really something to discuss. The only small filmmaking pros seem to be some snappy editing and a decent pacing. Of course, the film doesn't want to be some revolution in filmmaking. It just wants to tell a compelling and fascinating story and succeeds, thanks to the good writing and brilliant performances. Every cast member carries extreme charisma and play their part well, keeping the film both entertaining and compelling. As for the patients, each one of them is portrayed sharply and believably. De Niro, in particular executes the many layers of his character the most cleanly and arguably the most believably. However, when the twist in his character comes and subtlety isn't going to cut it anymore, he's well balanced and extremely competent, making him easily the best performance in the film. Oh wow, this review was not nearly as good as I thought it was going to be. Oh well, at least it's not as forced as my morning reviews. Trying to make a deep discussion out of the music in "The Mission". What was I thinking? But, I that's beside the point. Overall, "Awakenings", carried by charismatic, competent performances from just about the whole cast, - particularly De Niro - is a deeply fascinating, compelling and often emotionally impacting portrait on liberation and loss.

• Theta S

  
  Based on the book by Oliver Sacks, Awakenings tells the story of two men, Dr Malcolm Sayer who joins the staff of a chronic care psychiatric hospital and one of his charges, Leonard Lowe, a catatonic patient following the after effects of encephalytis thirty years earlier. When… More
  Based on the book by Oliver Sacks, Awakenings tells the story of two men, Dr Malcolm Sayer who joins the staff of a chronic care psychiatric hospital and one of his charges, Leonard Lowe, a catatonic patient following the after effects of encephalytis thirty years earlier. When Sayer finds a common link between Leonard's condition and that of several other patients, Sayer looks to help the patients with an experimental drug by trialling it on Leonard. When Leonard is revived from his condition by the drug, the hospital's patrons funds the use of the drug to all of the other patients and they experience similar awakenings, but is this a miracle cure... or a false dawn? ============================================================= PLEASE DO NOT READ ON UNLESS YOU HAVE SEEN THE FILM - SPOILERS I saw this film back in 1991 and it's as powerful to me now as it was back then. This is primarily made through the performances of the two lead actors. Robert De Niro delivers a powerful performance in the role of Leonard, in what is in essence a three act play for the character. The first 45 minutes or so presents a character that we're not used to seeing De Niro play - immobile, non speaking, helpless and, yet, you can't keep your eyes off him. The second act presents Leonard as the man waking up from his thirty year "sleep" - rediscovering life, a means of expression and the bonds of friendship, family and even, a romance of sorts. The third acts presents Leonard as the man who's chance of life is cruelly snatched away from him as the effects of the drug become equally as problematic as the illness itself. De Niro is exceptional in all aspects of the role of Leonard. Robin Williams delivers an equally powerful performance as Sayer. Where Leonard and the other patients are trapped in a statue like state due to their neurological condition, Sayer is trapped emotionally due to his shyness, inability to bond with people and the fact that he is basically a research doctor rather than a physician. The magic of this film is as Leonard awakens, so does the character of Sayer and whereas we are used to the manic version of Robin Williams through various performances, this film presents Williams as a quiet, introverted and well played character actor and you wish that he had taken more roles such as this. Both actors are ably supported by a brilliant supporting cast most notably Julie Kavner as hospital nurse and Sayer's main ally, Eleanor Costello, John Heard as Dr Kaufman - presented as the main "road block" to Sayer's plan to help the patients and Penelope Ann Miller as Leonard's "romantic" interest, Paula. Additionally, all the actors who portray Leonard's fellow patients delivers great performances as they awaken from their condition and convey the patients' love for the simple things in life - like dancing, singing, going out on trips and finding out about a world that's left them behind. Penny Marshall's direction and the script by Steven Zaillan is emotionally clever with it's audience by delivering emotion without the sugary nature that these films tend to have. A great film.

• Dannielle A

  
  This movie is about appreciating the simple things in life... play, taking a walk, friendship, love, family. It's also about the spirit of human beings and the precious personhood of every living man and woman.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings