Watch Awakenings

Awakenings is a heart-wrenching drama movie from 1990 that tells the story of a group of catatonic patients who are brought back to life thanks to the dedication of a doctor and his team. The movie is based on a true story, and it stars Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, and Julie Kavner. The movie is set in the late 1960s at the Bronx Psychiatric Hospital in New York City. Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams) is a newly hired physician who is tasked with working with the hospital's catatonic patients. These patients have been in a vegetative state for decades, and there is no known treatment to bring them back.

Dr. Sayer becomes interested in a test drug called L-DOPA, which has been successful in treating Parkinson's disease. He obtains permission to try the drug on some of his patients, and he achieves unbelievable results. One of his most prominent patients is Leonard Lowe (Robert De Niro), who was once a brilliant young man but has been in a vegetative state for almost 30 years.

Through the use of L-DOPA, Dr. Sayer manages to awaken Leonard and many other patients, much to the astonishment of the medical community. The patients, who had been living in a trance-like state, are suddenly brought back to life and can experience the world around them in a meaningful way.

As the patients begin to re-integrate into society, they face many challenges. They must learn to navigate a world that has changed dramatically since they became catatonic, and they must also confront the fact that they have lost decades of their lives. Furthermore, as they come out of their trance, they also begin to feel and experience emotions that they had forgotten.

Dr. Sayer is a compassionate doctor who cares deeply for his patients. He is devoted to his work, determined to find a cure for his patients, and willing to go to great lengths to help them. Robin Williams' performance is outstanding, and he portrays Dr. Sayer as both a brilliant scientist and a kind and caring human being.

Robert De Niro's performance as Leonard is also remarkable. Through his acting, he conveys the pain and suffering of a man who has lost 30 years of his life. He captures the frustration of a person who is trying to make sense of a world that has changed so much. However, he also manages to convey the joy and wonder of a man who has been given a second chance at life.

Julie Kavner plays Eleanor Costello, a nurse who works with Dr. Sayer. She is a compassionate and capable nurse who is devoted to her patients. Her character provides an emotional anchor for the story, as she is often the one who interacts with the patients on a daily basis.

The movie is a masterpiece of storytelling. It is a heart-warming story of hope and redemption. It is also a reminder of the potential of medicine to transform lives. The movie is both emotional and inspiring, and it will leave you feeling uplifted.

In conclusion, Awakenings is a must-watch movie for anyone who enjoys heart-warming dramas. It is a tribute to the human spirit and a reminder that anything is possible if you have the courage to try. The movie's excellent acting, powerful storytelling, and impeccable direction make it a timeless classic that will continue to inspire future generations.

Awakenings is a 1990 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 74.