In 1990, iconic actors Robert De Niro and Robin Williams co-starred in an emotional biographical film calledAwakenings, which deserves way more attention than it has gotten 35 years after its release.Awakeningsisa movie based on the true storyofa doctor who becomes interested in a group of catatonic patients who are wasting away in a Bronx hospitalin the 1960s. Believing that their conditions may be an unusual form of Parkinsons, the doctor completes groundbreaking research that changes lives. The movie is based on the memoir of the same name, written by Oliver Sacks.
Upon its release,Awakeningsreceived positive praise. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has a solid 81% critics score, alongside an 89% audience score. It also received threeAcademy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay, none of which it won. Unfortunately, despite these achievements,Awakeningshas largely been forgotten by audiences.Although the film tells an incredible story of medicine and hope, time and other, flashier movies have allowedAwakeningsto be swept under the rug.
Awakenings Is Rarely Mentioned When Discussing Robert De Niro Or Robin Williams' Best Movies, But It Should Be
Awakenings Isn’t Perfect, But Is Incredibly Moving
One big reason whyAwakeningshas faded from the public eye is because the movie’s leads,De Niro and Williams, have appeared in much more popular movies.De Niro is well-known for his gangster movies and his collaborations with Martin Scorsese, fromThe Godfather Part IItoTaxi DriverOn the other hand,Williams built an incredible careerof comedy and classics likeMrs. DoubtfireandGood Will Hunting.BecauseAwakeningshas a much quieter story, it was easy for the movie to fall under the shadow of the actors' more iconic films.
BecauseAwakeningshas a much quieter story, it was easy for the movie to fall under the shadow of the actors' more iconic films.
This situation is a shame because De Niro and Williams give outstanding performances inAwakenings.The movie certainly isn’t perfect, with some finding fault in the film’s screenplay and its sentimentailty, but everyone can agree that De Niro and Williams are the story’s powerhouses. For one of the few times in his career, Williams plays a character who completely lacks any sense of humor or performativity, and he aces it. Meanwhile,the film itself tells a moving story of medical advancements and the highs and lows of recovery. It is a difficult story, but one that is true and important.
Awakenings' Message & Themes Remain Relevant Today
Awakenings Is Currently Available To Stream
Aside from De Niro and Williams' performances,Awakeningsis a necessary watch because it tells a timeless story of resilience and learning. The Parkinsonian patients in the movie have essentially been given up on, and William’s Dr. Sayer does his best to reconnect with them. Viewers get to see the unique moment in which these patients are able to be born again. AlthoughAwakeningsis just as tragic as it is hopeful, it is a story that continues today.Awakeningsis a sign that humans cannot give up on each other, even when circumstances are scary or uncomfortable.
5 Best Robert De Niro Movies Streaming On Netflix
Robert De Niro has an extensive catalog of great movies that younger audiences are only just discovering thanks to streaming services like Netflix.
Fortunately, those who are unfamiliar withAwakeningscan stream it as soon as today. The movie is currently available on Netflix.By watchingAwakenings,audiences can form their own opinionsabout the movie’s importance and its ranking among other De Niro and Williams' movies. More than that, picking upAwakeningsmay leave viewers thinking hard about the film’s messages and incredible true story.
Awakenings
Cast
Awakenings, released in 1990, features Dr. Malcolm Sayer, played by Robin Williams, as a research physician who uses an experimental drug to awaken catatonic patients. The film follows the profound transformation experienced by both Sayer and Leonard, a patient portrayed by Robert De Niro, amidst their journey of discovery.
