Directed by:
Penny MarshallScreenplay:
Steven ZaillianCinematography:
Miroslav OndříčekComposer:
Randy NewmanCast:
Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, Julie Kavner, John Heard, Penelope Ann Miller, Alice Drummond, Barton Heyman, George Martin, Anne Meara, Dexter Gordon (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
By opening one man's eyes to the world... he opened his own. Robert De Niro and Robin Williams star in this powerful, true story of a maverick doctor and the patients whose lives he changes. Williams plays Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician who uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. De Niro co-stars as Leonard, the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor. Encouraged by Leonard's stunning recovery, Sayer administers the drug to the other patients. The story of their friendship during this emotional journey is a testament to both the tenderness of the human heart and the strength of the human soul. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Cast
Robert De Niro
USA
Best movies:
The Godfather Trilogy: 1901-1980 (1992) (TV movie)
The Godfather: A Novel for Television (1977) (series)
The Godfather: Part II (1974)
Robin Williams
USA
Best movies:
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Awakenings (1990)
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Julie Kavner
USA
Best movies:
Bart Wars: The Simpsons Strike Back (1999) (video compilation)
The Simpsons: Heaven and Hell (2002) (video compilation)
The Simpsons: Too Hot For TV (1998) (video compilation)
John Heard
USA
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
Home Alone (1990)
Mindwalk (1990)
Penelope Ann Miller
USA
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
Carlito's Way (1993)
Chaplin (1992)
Alice Drummond
USA
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
Ghostbusters (1984)
Running on Empty (1988)
Barton Heyman
USA
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
The Exorcist (1973)
Dead Man Walking (1995)
George Martin
USA
Best movies:
Léon: The Professional (1994)
Awakenings (1990)
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Anne Meara
USA
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
Fame (1980)
The Boys from Brazil (1978)
Dexter Gordon
USA
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
'Round Midnight (1986)
Richard Libertini
USA
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
DuckTales The Movie - Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990)
Days of Heaven (1978)
Mary Alice
USA
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
A Perfect World (1993)
Beat Street (1984)
Bradley Whitford
USA
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
Philadelphia (1993)
Scent of a Woman (1992)
Max von Sydow
Sweden
Best movies:
Shutter Island (2010)
Awakenings (1990)
The Last Place on Earth (1985) (series)
Harvey Miller
USA
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
Big (1988)
Frankie and Johnny (1991)
Peter Stormare
Sweden
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
Fanny and Alexander (1982)
Fargo (1996)
Vincent Pastore
USA
Best movies:
Goodfellas (1990)
Awakenings (1990)
Carlito's Way (1993)
Vin Diesel
USA
Best movies:
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Awakenings (1990)
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Ruth Nelson
USA
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
The Keys of the Kingdom (1944)
Arch of Triumph (1948)
Judith Malina
German Empire
Best movies:
Awakenings (1990)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Radio Days (1987)