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Awakenings (1990)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Release Date:
20 December 1990 (USA)
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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
Plot Keywords:
Doctor
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Coma
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Catatonic
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One Word Title
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Diaper Change
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Awards:
Nominated for 3 Oscars.
Another 4 wins
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4 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(3 articles)
Their Best Role: Robin Williams in 'The Fisher King'
(From Cinematical. 7 December 2009, 7:15 PM, PST)
Full Transcript of President Obama's Kennedy Center Honors Remarks "art strengthens America"
(From BroadwayWorld.com. 6 December 2009, 9:55 PM, PST)
(From Cinematical. 7 December 2009, 7:15 PM, PST)
Full Transcript of President Obama's Kennedy Center Honors Remarks "art strengthens America"
(From BroadwayWorld.com. 6 December 2009, 9:55 PM, PST)
User Comments:
A Fascinating and Moving Story
more (120 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 |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
121 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
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:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The rock that Williams is standing on in the water is named Killy Rock. It is located in Edgewater Park, a small waterfront community in the Bronx.
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Goofs:
Continuity: The orientation of the eyeglasses when Dr. Sayer attempts to hand them to new patient Lucy.
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Quotes:
Movie Connections:
References Taxi Driver (1976)
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Soundtrack:
I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (120 total)
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Awakenings is the most emotionally moving film I have ever seen. It delves deeply into one of the worst human fears, losing the ability to move and function, but it's never forced or manipulative, and there's no heavy-handed message or moral. It's just a fascinating story that's beautifully told.
The acting is as good as you will ever see. Robert DeNiro deftly handles all the emotional and physical challenges of his role, and Robin Williams demonstrates convincingly that he is an actor, not just a comedian. Williams is perhaps a bit too nerdy at first, but he captures perfectly all the hope, fear, exhilaration, and anguish that a doctor in that situation must be experiencing. Awakenings is based on actual people and events, and, to me at least, real events are always more powerful than even the best fiction.
Awakenings had big-name talent and Oscar nominations, but I don't think it ever had a big box office or became a popular video rental. That's a shame. I like escapist fare as much as the next guy, but once in a while, everyone should see a movie that you will remember and think about for a very long time. Awakenings deserves to be at the top of your list of movies to see.