Awakenings (1990)

Director:

Penny Marshall

Writers (WGA):

Oliver Sacks (book)
Steven Zaillian (screenplay)

Release Date:

20 December 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

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.

Plot Keywords:

Doctor | Coma | Catatonic | One Word Title | Diaper Change

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

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

Runtime:

121 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

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:12

Filming Locations:

Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Trivia:

Famed jazz saxophonist 'Dexter Gordon' who portrayed Rolando in the film passed away 8 months before the films release.

Goofs:

Continuity: Dr. Sayer's coat is unbuttoned when he caught up with Nurse Eleonor Costello at the stairs of the hospital, then when he asked her out it is buttoned. When they descended the stairs it is unbuttoned again.

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.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Golden Girls: Never Yell Fire in a Crowded Retirement Home: Part 1 (#6.24)" (1991)

Soundtrack:

I'm Always Chasing Rainbows

Extraordinary Film

This is a stunningly beautiful and profoundly moving journey, and, amazingly, based on a true story. I never tire of watching this movie; it was one of my all-time favorites. DeNiro's performance totally blows me away every time. And Robin Williams is wonderful as Dr. Sayer. Even simply remembering the movie by reading others' reviews here is once again giving me chills and putting tears into my eyes. After seeing this movie I also became a huge fan of Dr. Oliver Sacks' writing and recommend it to anyone, especially those who enjoyed "Awakenings." His case studies are fascinating. An excellent movie. Do yourself a huge favour and see it.