"Awakenings" is more than just two brilliant actors casted in something that might first look like a cheap over sentimental Saturday night movie. This movie tells a story of hope, a story of courage,... It's the true story of Dr. Malcolm Sayer and he believe in an awakening of his patients. It's hard to say which actor gave the best performance in this movie. Robin Williams as well as Robert De Niro were both amazing. I love Williams the most when he plays characters like Dr. Sayer. Those intimate portraits of truly good and honest men, like Sean in "Good Will Hunting". Brilliant!
Robert De Niro was great as well. Touching and a bit a sad role as well, but nevertheless truly great. "Awakenings" is by far Penny Marshall's best movie as well. I also like the double meaning of the title, at least I suppose it has two meanings. It the first place, the awakenings refers to the patients who awake from their 'non-active' state. But it think the title also refers to the people who are taking care of the patients and I think Robin Williams mentioned it in the movie as well. When those patients awake, after a while the realise that they have missed quite some time of their own life. They didn't experience a lot of things, things that might not seem that important, but nothing is less true. And by seeing what those patients missed, the other people realize what is really important in life and how lucky they are that they really have a life and can experience it as well.
But that's only how I see it. Moving and brilliantly acted by both leading actors. A must see!
8,5/10
Robert De Niro was great as well. Touching and a bit a sad role as well, but nevertheless truly great. "Awakenings" is by far Penny Marshall's best movie as well. I also like the double meaning of the title, at least I suppose it has two meanings. It the first place, the awakenings refers to the patients who awake from their 'non-active' state. But it think the title also refers to the people who are taking care of the patients and I think Robin Williams mentioned it in the movie as well. When those patients awake, after a while the realise that they have missed quite some time of their own life. They didn't experience a lot of things, things that might not seem that important, but nothing is less true. And by seeing what those patients missed, the other people realize what is really important in life and how lucky they are that they really have a life and can experience it as well.
But that's only how I see it. Moving and brilliantly acted by both leading actors. A must see!
8,5/10