A heart-wrenching biographical drama where a shy neurologist breathes life into long-catatonic patients, only to face the fleeting nature of their miraculous recovery—a fragile dance between medical hope and the resilient human spirit.
Awakenings
"There is no such thing as a simple miracle."
Director:
Penny Marshall
Cast:
Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, John Heard, Julie Kavner, Penelope Ann Miller
Drama
Budget:
$31,000,000
Box Office:
$52,096,475
Awakenings - Easter Eggs & Hidden Details
Easter Eggs
Early Vin Diesel Appearance
An uncredited Vin Diesel can be seen working as an orderly, representing one of his first professional roles in a major Hollywood production.
Authentic Neurological 'Tricks'
The scene where Sayer drops his glasses to provoke a reflex is an authentic method used by the real Dr. Oliver Sacks to identify 'hidden' movement in catatonic patients.
Leonard's Real Identity
The character of Leonard Lowe is based on the real-life patient 'Leonard L.' documented in Sacks' memoir; his surname in the film is a tribute to the original subject.