![](https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w1920_and_h800_multi_faces//oUNAGuc28xNxeUg2NpXuT3qKup0.jpg)
![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/9gztZXuHLG6AJ0fgqGd7Q43cWRI.jpg)
Awakenings (1990)
- PG-13
- 12/12/1990 (US)
- Drama
- 2h
There is no such thing as a simple miracle.
Overview
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is 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.
Steven Zaillian
ScreenplayPenny Marshall
DirectorCast
![Robert De Niro's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/cT8htcckIuyI1Lqwt1CvD02ynTh.jpg)
Robert De Niro
Leonard Lowe![Robin Williams's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/iYdeP6K0qz44Wg2Nw9LPJGMBkQ5.jpg)
Robin Williams
Malcolm Sayer![John Heard's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/zjhcxrCFK4q0C1gtVmeN8FeqCw0.jpg)
John Heard
Dr. Kaufman![Julie Kavner's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/xxiu7PC7RDOJmCuB6i81gEVrDQW.jpg)
Julie Kavner
Eleanor Costello![Penelope Ann Miller's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/iDQCkKWi49Z8KWnUWVeOb6vn8L7.jpg)
Penelope Ann Miller
Paula![Ruth Nelson's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/8NWZZZNiHjPC8OokwwTdVM29B3U.jpg)
Ruth Nelson
Mrs. Lowe![Max von Sydow's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/fOzSDFqMx84NR7PSv36P7j0Qf1q.jpg)
Max von Sydow
Peter Ingham![Anne Meara's headshot](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/zQVdY5AdOlGuq2AtwOMjOD3AmfH.jpg)