Awakenings

1990 · 2h00 · Film

Directed by Penny Marshall

Starring Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, John Heard, Julie Kavner, Penelope Ann Miller, Ruth Nelson, Max von Sydow, Anne Meara, Dexter Gordon, George Martin

Ideal when you feel… Sad / low Exhausted

Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is 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.

Original language

English

Screenplay

Steven Zaillian

Music

Randy Newman

Cinematography

Miroslav Ondříček

Cast

Julie Kavner, Penelope Ann Miller, Ruth Nelson, Max von Sydow, Anne Meara, Dexter Gordon, George Martin, Alice Drummond, Richard Libertini

Updated July 22, 2026

Trailer

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