IMDb > Awakenings (1990)
Awakenings
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Awakenings (1990) More at IMDbPro »

Videos (see all 8 NEW)
Awakenings (1990) -- 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.
Awakenings (1990) -- Clip: Robin Williams presents De Niro
Awakenings (1990) -- ZuGuide.com - Trailer (Flash)
Awakenings (1990) -- Trailerfan.com - Trailer (Flash)
Awakenings (1990) -- Sinematurk - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
7.6/10   27,152 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 5% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Penny Marshall
Writers (WGA):
Oliver Sacks (book)
Steven Zaillian (screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for Awakenings on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
20 December 1990 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama more
Tagline:
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 synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 4 nominations more
NewsDesk:
Max & Haley
 (From FilmExperience. 10 April 2009, 11:31 AM, PDT)

User Comments:
Can someone please tell me WHY?? more (119 total)

Cast

  (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
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
121 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Dolby SR

Fun 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." more
Goofs:
Continuity: When Dr. Sayer begins to type up Lucy's initial diagnosis, he puts a new form into the typewriter and begins typing. After only a few clicks, a close-up shows him already halfway through his second line of typing. more
Quotes:
Dr Malcolm Sayer: What we do know is that, as the chemical window closed, another awakening took place; that the human spirit is more powerful than any drug - and THAT is what needs to be nourished: with work, play, friendship, family. THESE are the things that matter. This is what we'd forgotten - the simplest things. more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "House M.D.: Son of Coma Guy (#3.7)" (2006) more
Soundtrack:
Purple Haze more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
65 out of 86 people found the following comment useful.
Can someone please tell me WHY??, 26 February 2005
10/10
Author: elle55407 from United States

Can someone please tell me WHY Penny Marshall never received an Academy Award nomination for this? This is an excellent movie. A truly great film. My opinion? DeNiro's best role to date. He was superb. While I loved "Schindler's List," I think DeNiro's role by far out muscled Liam Neeson as an Oscar contender. (No disrespect to Neeson intended.) But I'm still disappointed over that one.

Robin Williams was wonderful, as well. As was Julie Kavner. Can't believe we never saw much of her after this role. She's a definite talent. Excellent casting by Marshall.

For anyone out there who hasn't seen it, RUSH to your video store TODAY! It's truly one of those "Don't Miss" films. It will definitely give you some life perspective.

As for Ms. Marshall - I believe one of these days, we are going to be seeing an Oscar with her name on it. "Best Director!" She gives all women in film something to strive for.

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