Drama  •  1990  •  120 min  •  Teen (13+)

Awakenings (1990)

Awakenings poster

Awakenings (1990)


Rating & Dimensions

Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Traditional
Political: Center
Diversity: Low

Viewer Rating
7.8

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.


Starring Cast

Robert De Niro  •   Robin Williams  •   Julie Kavner


Where to watch

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Detailed Bias Analysis

Analyzing...
Leans Traditional

Primary

Political: Center
Confidence: High

The film's central message is a humanistic exploration of consciousness, the value of life, and human connection, driven by individual medical innovation and empathy, rather than promoting a specific political ideology or advocating for systemic change.

Diversity: Low
Confidence: High

The movie features a predominantly traditional cast, consistent with the real-life individuals it portrays. Its narrative focuses on medical and humanistic themes, without explicitly critiquing traditional identities or centering DEI themes within its plot.

Secondary

LGBTQ: N/A
Confidence: High

The film "Awakenings" does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The narrative focuses on a doctor's efforts to treat catatonic patients, with no elements related to queer identity or experiences present in the story.

Trans: N/A
Confidence: High

Awakenings does not feature any identifiable transsexual characters or themes. The film's narrative is entirely focused on the medical and human drama of patients recovering from encephalitis lethargica, with no elements pertaining to transgender identity or experiences. Therefore, the film has no impact on the portrayal of transsexual individuals.

Female Combat: N/R

The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.

Gender Swap: No
Confidence: High

The film 'Awakenings' is a drama based on a true story and a non-fiction book by Oliver Sacks. Its main characters, including Dr. Malcolm Sayer (based on Oliver Sacks) and Leonard Lowe, retain their historical and canonical genders as established in the source material. There are no instances of historically or canonically established characters being portrayed as a different gender.

Race Swap: No
Confidence: High

Awakenings is based on a non-fiction book by Oliver Sacks, detailing real historical patients and doctors. The film's main characters, Dr. Malcolm Sayer (based on Oliver Sacks) and Leonard Lowe, are portrayed by actors whose race aligns with their historical counterparts. No race swaps are identified.


Viewer Rating Breakdown

7.8

Viewer Rating

Combines user and critic ratings from four sources

User Ratings

IMDB logo
7.8
The Movie Database logo
7.8

Critic Ratings

Rotten Tomatoes logo
8.1
Metacritic logo
7.4

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