Awakenings

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2:44

Awakenings

PG-13

1990

2h 1m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

37 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

The story of a doctor's extraordinary work in the Sixties with a group of catatonic patients he finds languishing in a Bronx hospital. Speculating that their rigidity may be akin to an extreme form of Parkinsonism, he seeks permission from his skeptical superiors to treat them with L-dopa, a drug that was used to treat Parkinson's disease at the time.

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Critics Consensus

Elevated by some of Robin Williams' finest non-comedic work and a strong performance from Robert De Niro, Awakenings skirts the edges of melodrama, then soars above it.

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Stanley Kauffmann

The New Republic

08/15/2014

Williams gives his best "straight" performance, shorn of all his marvelous manic vaudeville. The man he plays here is not a performer, which he was even in Dead Poets Society, but simply a man.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/22/2010

4/5

Nonfunny Robin Williams role in moving story.

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Jeff Beck

The Blu Spot

Dec 16

4/5

Awakenings may not hold much in the way of surprises over the course of its narrative arc, but it remains a richly emotional true-life tale that pulls you in with its captivating story & the marvelous performances from co-leads Williams & De Niro.

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Noah Berlatsky

Splice Today

04/22/2024

If Awakenings is a cure for Hollywood’s sexism, then it is, unfortunately, a cure which was painfully limited.

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Terry Francis

Southern Voice (Atlanta)

05/09/2023

2/4

Though the film is directed with elegant reticence by the gifted Penny Marshall, it's diminished somewhat by Zaillian's tissue-thin adaptation which relies heavily on formulaic comedy, on cliches of character and plot.

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

01/20/2023

Awakenings suffers from false optimism and, in the end, is inconsolably sad. [Full review in Spanish]

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Peter V

11h

Though the first half of the film plays overly dramatically and self-consciously, as if director Penny Marshall is a herald for the 'human rights of these human beings,' which does them an injustice by treating them sentimentally--the phrase 'human beings' is overused at the beginning, with obvious connotations and intentions-- the film is still well-meaning and substantial, making the audience aware of the loss. In the final half, Leonard is brought more into focus, showing how he deals with neurological deterioration as the drugs wear thin. Robert De Niro is breathtaking as Leonard, and with Robin Williams, have convincing doctor-patient chemistry. They are supported by Julie Kavner as a conscientious nurse, Penelope Anne Miller as a visitor to the hospital who cares about Leonard, and Ruth Nelson as Leonard's protective mom. These actors deliver outstanding supporting performances. Overall, the film is an imperfect but a moving and humane drama about things that matter in life.

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Stefano C

@ilChurch 3d

Crazy performance by De Niro. Very touching.

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Angelina S

@pittsyruns325 Nov 11

Bring the Kleenex, but fantastic acting and fantastic film!

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Mr. S

Sep 13

Awakenings (1990) shows the beauty of optimism and the strength of the human spirit, while also confronting us with the sad reality that not every story ends happily.

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Gareth v

@geewah Aug 11

An inspiring, heartfelt drama that celebrates human resilience and connection.

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Kristin M.

@kristinmesserli Aug 3

Explores the relationship between being alive and living. So much crying and laughing. Loved this movie so much.

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Penny Marshall

Director

Robert De Niro

Leonard Lowe

Robin Williams

Dr. Malcolm Sayer

Julie Kavner

Eleanor Costello

Ruth Nelson

Mrs. Lowe

John Heard

Dr. Kaufman

Awakenings: Official Clip - The Drug Isn't Working

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Awakenings: Official Clip - The Will of the Ball

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Awakenings: Official Clip - Remind Them How Good It Is

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Awakenings: Official Clip - The Simplest Things

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Awakenings: Official Clip - I Won't See You Anymore

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Awakenings: Official Clip - You Woke A Person

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Awakenings: Official Clip - The Strangest Dream

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Awakenings: Official Clip - You're Awake

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Awakenings: Official Clip - Don't Give Up on Me

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Synopsis

The story of a doctor's extraordinary work in the Sixties with a group of catatonic patients he finds languishing in a Bronx hospital. Speculating that their rigidity may be akin to an extreme form of Parkinsonism, he seeks permission from his skeptical superiors to treat them with L-dopa, a drug that was used to treat Parkinson's disease at the time.

Director: Penny Marshall
Producer: Walter F. Parkes, Lawrence Lasker
Screenwriter: Steven Zaillian
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 20, 1990, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 15, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $49.4M
Runtime: 2h 1m
Sound Mix: Surround

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