Awakenings
There is no such thing as a simple miracle.
1990 • 120 min • Drama
Synopsis
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.
Our family guide
Best from age 13- 78 Audience · 2934 · 100%
Based on a true story, a compassionate doctor uses an experimental drug to awaken catatonic patients from a rare illness. One patient's reawakening brings joy and challenges, profoundly impacting the doctor and highlighting life's simple pleasures and the complexities of illness.
- Violence & peril
- 1/10
- Language
- 2/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 1/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 1/10
- Scary moments
- 4/10
Heads up
- Characters experience severe physical and neurological symptoms.
- Some emotional distress as patients' awakenings are temporary.
- A character smokes cigarettes in a hospital setting (historical context).
- Discussion of medical ethics and difficult choices.
What it models well
- Compassion and empathy
- The value of life
- Hope and perseverance
- Medical ethics
Talk about it after
- Living with chronic illness
- The role of experimental treatments
- Dealing with loss and change
- Finding joy in everyday moments
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Awakenings. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
Rent
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeBuy
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Links go straight to each service. Some are affiliate links that support Movie Knight at no cost to you. Availability data by JustWatch via TMDB.
Top billed cast
Director: Penny Marshall • Crew: Steven Zaillian
Trailers & clips
Awakenings (1990) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
Awakenings - Trailer
Awakenings 1990 TV trailer
Reviewer notes
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Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 7.8/10 (2,934)
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $31,000,000
- Box office
- $52,096,475
- IMDb
- tt0099077
