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Awakenings
1990
Based on the true story of a research physician who uses an experimental drug to 'awaken' the catatonic victims of a rare sleeping sickness. The first patient to receive the drug (De Niro in an astounding performance) is filled with awe and enthusiasm that teaches the introverted doctor to value life's simple pleasures. Academy .. Read more
| Starring | Robin Williams, Robert De Niro, John Heard, Penelope Ann Miller |
|---|---|
| Director | Penny Marshall |
| Genres | Drama |
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Awakenings
Based on the true story of a research physician who uses an experimental drug to 'awaken' the catatonic victims of a rare sleeping sickness. The first patient to receive the drug (De Niro in an astounding performance) is filled with awe and enthusiasm that teaches the introverted doctor to value life's simple pleasures. Academy Award Nominations: 3, including Best Picture, Best Actor--Robert De Niro, Best (Adapted) Screenplay.
| Starring | Robin Williams, Robert De Niro, John Heard, Penelope Ann Miller, Max von Sydow, Julie Kavner |
|---|---|
| Director | Penny Marshall |
| Studio | COLUMBIA |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 55 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Dubbed | French, German, Italian, Spanish |
| Subtitles | DVD: Arabic, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish |
| Released | DVD: 10 Dec 2007 Production year: 1990 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (5)
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Robert De Niro and Robin Williams star in this powerful dramatisation of neurologist Oliver Sacks's book, based on his real-life success in “awakening” patients who had been trapped in a comatose state for over 30 years after contracting sleeping sickness in the 1920s. Williams shows his versatility by playing the shy scientist, though it was De Niro who got the Oscar nomination. Too upbeat for some tastes, Penny Marshall's film got mixed reviews on its release, but still earned an Oscar nomination for best picture. An absorbing treatment of an intriguing subject.
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"...De Niro's widely praised performance is like the rest of the film: competent, a product of hard work..." -- 3 out of 4 stars
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Most helpful member's review
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23 out of 28 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Awakenings
There is very little to say about this movie or than how good, heartfelt, and loving it is. Everyone in it gives a great performance in hard roles. Look out for Marge Simpson too LOL.
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- AlexPhillips from Aberystwyth
- Posted 16 Nov 2006 16:29
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Most recent members' review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Awakenings
A masterclass in film making, one can only be astonished when watching this movie. A warm, if understated, performance from Robin Williams allows the other characters the chance to shine - namely Robert de Niro, who is exceptional as Leonard. Based on a remarkable true story, filled with wonderful perfomances, this film will make you laugh and cry aplenty. Superb.
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Awakenings
Based on the true story of a research physician who uses an experimental drug to 'awaken' the catatonic victims of a rare sleeping sickness. The first patient to receive the drug (De Niro in an astounding performance) is filled with awe and enthusiasm that teaches the introverted doctor to value ...
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