Awakenings is a 1990 film directed by Penny Marshall. The film's plot is based on the memoirs of Dr. Oliver Sacks and is a touching, true story that explores the miraculous awakening of patients afflicted with encephalitis lethargica. 

Plot

The story is set in the early 1970s in New York and focuses on Dr. Malcolm Sayer (played by Robin Williams), an introverted and dedicated physician who begins working at the Beth Abraham Hospital. Here, he encounters a group of patients suffering from encephalitis lethargica, a mysterious disease that has rendered them immobile and catatonic for decades.

One of the patients, Leonard Lowe (played by Robert De Niro), captures Dr. Sayer's attention. After experimenting with an experimental drug called L-Dopa, Dr. Sayer manages to awaken Leonard and other patients from their catatonic state. This miraculous "awakening" leads the patients to rediscover life and emotions.

However, the film also explores the challenges and difficulties that arise when the patients' hopes collide with reality. Dr. Sayer must grapple with ethical dilemmas and the passage of time, while the patients try to adapt to a world that has changed radically since they were struck by the illness.

"Awakenings" is a moving story of hope, resilience, and the power of humanity to overcome adversity.

Director: Penny Marshall

Writer: Steven Zaillian (based on the book by Oliver Sacks)

Producers: Walter F. Parkes, Lawrence Lasker

Music: Randy Newman

Main Cast:

Robin Williams as Dr. Malcolm Sayer

Robert De Niro as Leonard Lowe

Julie Kavner as Eleanor Costello

John Heard as Dr. Kaufman

Penelope Ann Miller as Paula

Max von Sydow as Dr. Peter Ingham

Major Awards:

The film received extremely positive reviews from critics and received three Oscar nominations.

Box Office Gross: The film grossed approximately $52 million worldwide.

Critical Reception: Awakenings received extremely positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for the outstanding performances of Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, as well as its touching real-life-based story. Penny Marshall's direction was appreciated, as was Randy Newman's musical score. The film explores themes of hope, humanity, and scientific discovery. While it didn't win major Oscars, Awakenings was considered one of the most moving and memorable films of the 1990s.