Awakenings
Drama
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment  (1990) 120 mins PG-13

7.5 (24,002 votes)
There is no such thing as a simple miracle.

Williams plays Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician who uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. DeNiro 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 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....

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Cast and Crew
Max Von Sydow  ...... 
John Heard  ......  Dr. Kaufman
Penelope Ann Miller  ......  Paula
Julie Kavner  ......  Eleanor Costello
Ruth Nelson  ......  Mrs. Lowe
Robert De Niro  ......  Leonard Lowe
Director  .....  Penny Marshall
Producer  .....  Walter Parkes; Lawrence Lasker; Amy Lemisch; Walter F. Parkes
Writer  .....  Steven Zaillian; Oliver Sacks
Notes
Goofs:
Continuity: During the scene in the parking lot just before Eleanor tells Dr. Sayer she believes his theory about the "will of the ball", Dr. Sayer is first shown from the passenger side of his Plymouth Valiant, which has no gear shift knob on the right side of the steering column. Valiant models in the '60s had what was known as "typewriter drive", where the driver changed gears by pressing buttons in a column on the dash to the left of the steering wheel. In the next shot, Sayer is shown from the driver's side and after he starts the car, he shifts gears with a knob on the right side of the steering column that wasn't there in the previous shot. (more)

Trivia:
Vin Diesel's film debut. (more)

Filming Locations:
Bronx, New York City, New York, USA (more)

Quotes:
Lucy: I can't imagine being older than 22. I've no experience at it. I know it's not 1926. I just need it to be. (more)

Awards:
Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 4 nominations (more)