IMDb >
Awakenings (1990)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsAwakenings (1990) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 24 | slideshow) | Videos (see all 2) |
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
20 December 1990 (USA) moreTagline:
There is no such thing as a simple miracle.Plot:
The victims of an encephalitis epidemic many years ago have been catatonic ever since, but now a new drug offers the prospect of reviving them. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 4 nominations moreUser Comments:
A wonderful and touching film moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Robert De Niro | ... | Leonard Lowe | |
| Robin Williams | ... | Dr. Malcolm Sayer | |
| Julie Kavner | ... | Eleanor Costello | |
| Ruth Nelson | ... | Mrs. Lowe | |
| John Heard | ... | Dr. Kaufman | |
| Penelope Ann Miller | ... | Paula | |
| Alice Drummond | ... | Lucy | |
| Judith Malina | ... | Rose | |
| Barton Heyman | ... | Bert | |
| George Martin | ... | Frank | |
| Anne Meara | ... | Miriam | |
| Richard Libertini | ... | Sidney | |
| Laura Esterman | ... | Lolly | |
| Dexter Gordon | ... | Rolando | |
| Jayne Haynes | ... | Frances |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
121 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Dolby SRCertification:
Australia:M | South Korea:All | USA:PG-13 (certificate #30341) | Argentina:13 | Chile:14 | Finland:S | Iceland:L | Norway:11 | Singapore:PG | Sweden:11 | UK:12Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The name that Leonard spells out on the ouija board is German poet Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926), and the poem that Dr. Sayer quotes in the arboretum is "The Panther." moreGoofs:
Anachronisms: When Dr. Sayer takes Leonard out into the city for the first time, they see (among other things) an aircraft landing - a Boeing 747. The movie takes place in 1969 and the first revenue flight of the Boeing 747 was January 21st, 1970. Additionally, the 747 is in El Al livery that was used around 1990. moreQuotes:
Anthony: [cheerfully] How's it going?Frank: How's it going?
Anthony: Yeah, how do you feel?
Frank: Well, my parents are dead. My wife is in an institution. My son has disappeared out west somewhere.
[pause]
Frank: I feel old and I feel swindled, that's how I feel.
more
Soundtrack:
O Soave Fanciulla moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Awakenings (1990) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Patch Adams | One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest | Girl, Interrupted | Something the Lord Made | Dead Ringers |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Drama section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |














It's a tale about a doctor(Robin Williams) taking on a new job in the Bronx. His new patients are something of the unusual. A handful of them share an unexplainable disease. The rare disease has left these people frozen in time. One of his main patients is a man named Leonard Lowe, played by Robert Deniro. Doctor Sayer begins a diligent study. To the present day, there are still many questions surrounding this strange disease. During one amazing season in the late 60's, a miracle happened.
In my opinion, both Robin Williams and Robert Deniro should have won Oscars for this film. I always say that Williams with a beard equals an amazing performance. His role as the meek Dr. Sayer is heartwarming. He plays perfectly off Deniro's character. Robert Deniro is golden as Leonard, the disease afflicted patient that gives all of his consciousness to help Dr. Sayer. With the help of a large dose of medicine and care all the patients and hospital staff have awakenings.
One of the most important words spoken in the film is: LEARN.
This film teaches me to appreciate life a little more every time I see it. It hopefully sends us the message to enjoy life. To love and embrace what we have and perhaps learn not to take the natural joys in life for granted is the message.