Awakenings
A withdrawn Bronx physician risks institutional skepticism and uncertain science to restore consciousness and dignity to patients frozen by encephalitis.
Overview
A groundbreaking journey of hope and human connection unfolds as a doctor seeks to awaken the minds of the forgotten.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- compassionate
- melancholic
- hopeful
- reflective evening
- inspirational viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's humane true-story drama and the powerful non-comedic performances by Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, while noting that its melodramatic treatment can occasionally overreach.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Malcolm Sayer must balance Leonard Lowe's consent, the hospital's skepticism, uncertain long-term effects, and the needs of other patients.
Leonard's awakening forces others to recognize the alert human being behind years of catatonia and dependency.
Malcolm begins as an isolated researcher uncomfortable with human subjects, then develops meaningful bonds with patients and colleagues.
The hospital wards, research process, and patient observation frame scientific treatment through intimate attention to dignity and feeling.
Films like Awakenings, and why
The Doctor
shared medical drama setting, true-story basis, compassionate treatment of illness, and emotionally intense performances
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
shared hospital setting, humanistic drama, ethical medical dilemmas, and inspirational emotional tone
Lorenzo's Oil
shared true-story medical breakthrough, patient advocacy, institutional resistance, and bittersweet hope
My Left Foot
shared biographical drama form, therapeutic relationship, disability themes, and deeply affecting lead performances
Movie Details
- Director
- Penny Marshall
- Release Date
- 1990-12-04
- Runtime
- 120 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (2968)
Cast
- Robert De Niro
- Robin Williams
- John Heard
- Julie Kavner
- Penelope Ann Miller
- Ruth Nelson
- Max von Sydow
- Anne Meara
- Dexter Gordon
- George Martin
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Awakenings about?
- A withdrawn Bronx physician risks institutional skepticism and uncertain science to restore consciousness and dignity to patients frozen by encephalitis.
- What is Awakenings like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Awakenings as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Awakenings violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Awakenings.
- What did critics think of Awakenings?
- Critics broadly praised the film's humane true-story drama and the powerful non-comedic performances by Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, while noting that its melodramatic treatment can occasionally overreach.
- Which films are like Awakenings?
- Films with a similar feel include The Doctor, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Lorenzo's Oil, and My Left Foot.
- How long is Awakenings?
- Awakenings runs 120 minutes.
- Where can I watch Awakenings?
- In United States, Awakenings is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
