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Awakenings Reviews

1990

70
from 10,061 members

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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Critic's review of Awakenings
View all critics' reviews (4)
- "...De Niro's widely praised performance is like the rest of the film: competent, a product of hard work..." -- 3 out of 4 stars
- 7547
- - USA Today
  - 11 Mar 2005 at 12:58
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Most helpful member's review of Awakenings
View all members' reviews (52)
- - 24
  - 5
  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... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 385653
- [Highly rated reviewer]
  
  [Highly rated reviewer]
  - AlexPhillips
  - 37 reviews
  - UK
  - 16 Nov 2006 at 16:29
Most recent members' reviews of Awakenings
View all members' reviews (52)
- - 0
  - 0
  Must see
  
  I thought this film was amazing. it is based on a true story and i confess i generally like films based upon truth. It is thought provoking and gives some real ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 1066529
- - a customer
  - 24 Nov 2011 at 10:48
- - 1
  - 0
  still brilliant
  
  I loved this film when it first came out 20+ years ago and I'd never seen it again in all that time. Compelling, outstandingly acted and as fresh as it was ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 1048906
- - a customer
  - 07 Oct 2011 at 22:20
- - 0
  - 0
  Kept me awake, which is rare.
  
  The true story of a shy awkward research doctor, who fought against hospital authorities in an effort to help a group of long term catatonics regain their lives... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 1031175
- - Oldbloke
  - 222 reviews
  - Sidmouth
  - 19 Aug 2011 at 13:52
- - 1
  - 0
  Incredibly moving
  
  I wasn't sure what to expect from Awakenings, I didn't know much about it but I saw Robin Williams and Robert De Niro were in it so i wanted to watch it... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 1020017
- - a customer
  - 21 Jul 2011 at 14:22
- - 0
  - 0
  Truly Brilliant
  
  This is an amazing film. That is all they just wanted me to typre 20 words to write a review!
  
  Report this review
- 1004938
- - a customer
  - 14 Jun 2011 at 21:44
- - 0
  - 0
  tear jerker
  
  abso blown away by robert deniros performance in this film trully amazing very touching sad film but a must see it will open your eyes.
  
  Report this review
- 1002522
- - bryn smith
  - kent
  - 09 Jun 2011 at 10:30
- - 1
  - 0
  Makes you really think...
  
  love this film, both actors give a great performance, what's more it is based on a true story. Compelling and it really makes you think, there is so much we... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 988583
- - Hermionepickles
  - 21 reviews
  - Driffield
  - 03 May 2011 at 17:04
- - 1
  - 0
  One Flew Over the Panther's Cage
  
  THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS | Show review anywayHide
  
  This is a thought provoking film along the lines of One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest; and has the same tragic ending.
  
  Robert De Niro is very convincing... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 947021
- - TheImaginator
  - 70 reviews
  - London
  - 15 Dec 2010 at 11:54
- - 1
  - 0
  Open Your Eyes
  
  Yes its emotional, yes its sad, yes its different from the scorsese epics that De Niro has done before, but its brilliant, moving and real. I work with people ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 889815
- - LouisDewy
  - 12 reviews
  - York
  - 08 May 2010 at 13:24
- - 1
  - 0
  If you are a fan of classic films this is unmissable
  
  Robert DeNiro is fantastic in this film, as is Robin Williams, both of which give heart warming performances. Great story, great acting, a classic
  
  Report this review
- 842713
- - evelovesfilm
  - 9 reviews
  - Manchester
  - 28 Dec 2009 at 01:21
View all members' reviews (52)

- - 24
  - 5
  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... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 385653
- [Highly rated reviewer]
  
  [Highly rated reviewer]
  - AlexPhillips
  - 37 reviews
  - UK
  - 16 Nov 2006 at 16:29
- - 10
  - 1
  Another Robin Williams
  
  If you are a Robin Williams fan then you will enjoy this movie. The part taken by DeNiro is well acted and obviously well researched. I found it moving and ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 13646
- - Elise Gorwyn
  - Lockberbie, Scotland
  - 05 Aug 2004 at 06:27
- - 5
  - 0
  Teardrops n tissues
  
  An emotive true story of a doctor (Williams) who discovers some long term comatosed patients can be awakened by using Parkinsonion drugs. His relationship with ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 393563
- - Essex Dave
  - England
  - 10 Dec 2006 at 21:13
- - 3
  - 0
  A truly excellent ...
  
  A truly excellent movie.
  
  The direction, the acting, the storyline, the music etc etc are all first class. A must see movie for all !!!!
  
  Report this review
- 38227
- - David#478
  - WAKEFIELD
  - 11 Jun 2004 at 14:41
- - 3
  - 1
  Emotional
  
  Who said De Niro only does Gangster Movies?
  
  This movie shows exactly why Robert De Niro is the best actor of all time, it also shows how great an ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 295943
- - DeNiroFan
  - Cheshire
  - 01 Dec 2003 at 00:32
- - 2
  - 0
  Heavy but very worth while
  
  If you want a light hearted, feel good family film with a happy or dramatic ending, this is isn't it.
  
  This is a carefully crafted and evenly ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 172698
- - a customer
  - Hertfordshire
  - 11 Nov 2005 at 10:57
- - 2
  - 0
  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 ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 293412
- - ste100
  - cheshire
  - 16 Oct 2003 at 09:52
- - 2
  - 0
  GOOD CLASSIC FILM
  
  Not a bad film, reminds me of 'one flew over the cuckoo's nest' Robert DeNiro showed just why he is a remarkable actor. He is what you call true ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 355605
- - hotstuf999
  - Harrow
  - 19 Dec 2005 at 15:58
- - 1
  - 0
  A MASTERPIECE OF FILM
  
  This is a stunning film.
  
  It has it ALL.
  
  A true story based on the Sleeping Sickness of which little is know and the pioneering work of a ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 125351
- - a customer
  - Manchester,UK
  - 20 Jul 2005 at 08:24
- - 1
  - 0
  excellent
  
  The quality of acting in this is superb. De Niro excells. What a treat to see Robin Williams doing serious acting not just playig the clown. This is quite a ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 243503
- - a customer
  - uk
  - 12 May 2006 at 19:44

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Buy from Amazon.co.uk

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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 ...