Awakenings (1990)

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Movie Review: "Awakenings" (1990)When real-life Neurologist Oliver Sacks M.D. (1933-2015) presents his essays on treating a rare neurological brain-infecting virus that completely shuts down the motoric as sensual systems by alternating the human immune system, which had been fulminate adapted by screenwriter Steve Zaillian, who eventually gets recognized for his decisive as well-researched material into cinematic dramatizations, which director Penny Marshall, who in her own right just departed from a huge hit at the U.S. domestic box offices with "Big" starring Tom Hanks, at age 31, when here Robert De Niro, playing the Encephalitis-infected patient Leonard for three decades in coma-like state of no-interaction with any opposite human beings, and Robin Williams with gentle-retreats of a compassionated Doctor Malcolm Sayer as synonym for off-screen credited Oliver Sacks.Together, alongside with "state of the art" cinematography of no further experiments, but perfectly-received coverage and an realistically-designed Mental Institution environment of 1969 in New York City's outcasting borough of the Bronx, cast and crew find a balanced picture, where any medically-as-humane interested spectator can witness at least on-screen, what it is means to live with utmost life-threatening conditions, when medication, here at that time newly develop neurotransmitting-dopamine (drug) wakes the brain-virus-infected patients for the time being, in witnessing action beats by Robert De Niro as Leonard, who runs through a full cycle of emotions of being completly rehabilitated to shrink under the pressures of life itself, while meeting as caring people all-around with suspense-peaking as heart-breaking scene of dancing with Penelope Ann Miller as Paula under slight hints of a highly-emotional soundtrack by Randy Newman.© 2018 Felix Alexander Dausend (Cinemajesty Entertainments LLC)

With Robert De Nero and the late great Robin Williams the lead stars of this film I knew that I would not be disappointed and that I was not. Throughout the whole film Williams leads the idea of "not having a life", and it takes the awakening of De Nero's character to help him realise this. After the introduction of De Nero and Williams on screen at the same time the real enjoyment comes from this film, their chemistry as characters seemed real which emphasised all emotion intended from this film. Overall, great film and would recommend to anyone.

I just watched it for the first time. I feel so emotional, what a good movie! To be honest I hadn't even heard about this movie before.. I saw it on netflix and I thought the actors were great so I pressed play. I am amazed! Really!!!!What makes it so great is the fact that it is based on a true story.. Thats what makes us so emotional, I cried a little bit :( and the actors, wow! Incredible acting by both Deniro and Williams. I can't let go of the characters in this movie, I wonder what happened later in their lifes... I searched google but could not find any answers.You know when you watch a movie and it is so good that you almost wish that you had not seen it so you can see it for the first time again and be as amazed as the first time! Thats how I feel about this movie. I love emotional movies though. I definitely recommend this movie!

A doctor discovers a drug to wake up catatonic patients.Starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro.Written by Oliver Sacks ( Novel) and Steven Zaillian ( Screenplay )Directed by Penny Marshall.This is superb!It ticks all of the boxes as to what a movie should be. To be honest I've had it on my Sky box for a few weeks and never really fancied watching it for some reason. But it really is worthy of as many accolades as it's been given.The story sucks you in right from the beginning and two two main actors are brilliant. I've seen a few De Niro films now and this is the best I've seen him by far. His portrayal of the first catatonic patient to wake up is worthy of an Oscar. I knew he was a great actor but this performance is top drawer. Robin Williams is brilliantly understated and together they are perfect castings.Awakenings is tearjerker and the plot won't have you on the edge of your seat, it will have you reaching for the tissues. It's an incredibly moving film. Well acted, well directed and with a great soundtrack. Brilliant!This could be an early favourite to be my favourite movie watched this year.10/10