“Awakenings” is a heart-touching and fascinating story that revolves around people trapped in their bodies by a mysterious illness, and a doctor’s remarkable effort to bring them back to life.
The story is set in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Imagine a place called a hospital where there are patients who are not able to move or talk. It’s like they are frozen in time. This strange illness is called encephalitis lethargica, and it has taken away their ability to interact with the world. Dr. Malcolm Sayer, played by Robin Williams in the movie adaptation, is a kind and curious doctor. He’s new to the hospital and he notices something special about these patients. He believes that there might be a way to wake them up, to make them “awaken” from this deep sleep-like state. It’s like they are living statues, and he wants to find a way to bring them back to life.
Dr. Sayer decides to try an experimental drug called L-Dopa. It’s a medicine that helps people with Parkinson’s disease, which has some similarities to the mysterious illness affecting these patients. He starts giving the patients the medicine, and something amazing happens – they start to show signs of life! Imagine someone who hasn’t moved or spoken in decades suddenly being able to move, to talk, to dance, and to experience the world again. It’s a magical and emotional moment. The patients experience a “reawakening.” It’s like they are discovering the world anew – everything is exciting and new to them. They are filled with joy, curiosity, and sometimes confusion as they try to catch up on all the years they missed. One of the central characters is Leonard, played by Robert De Niro in the movie. He was once a vibrant young man, but the illness took away his ability to live a normal life. With the help of the L-Dopa, Leonard comes back to life. He’s full of energy and enthusiasm, like a child in a grown-up’s body. His interactions with Dr. Sayer and the other patients are touching and often humorous.
However, there’s a catch. The L-Dopa’s effects are not permanent. Over time, the patients start to experience side effects and their conditions begin to deteriorate again. It’s like their newfound life is slipping away. This is both a happy and sad part of the story – the patients got a second chance at life, but it’s not a perfect solution. “Awakenings” is a moving story that explores the complexities of human life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the boundless possibilities of medical science. It shows that even in the face of challenges and limitations, there is always a chance for hope, connection, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of life. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment and to never underestimate the power of human will.
CHARACTERS
1. Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Played by Robin Williams): Dr. Sayer is a kind and dedicated doctor who is determined to help the catatonic patients. He’s a bit shy and awkward but really cares about his patients. He believes that a new medication can awaken them from their frozen state and tries it out, leading to incredible results. 
2.Leonard Lowe (Played by Robert De Niro): Leonard is one of the patients who has been in a catatonic state for decades. He becomes one of the first patients to be treated with the new medication. When the medicine works, he starts to wake up and experience the world around him for the first time in a very long time. 
3. Dr. Kaufman (Played by John Heard): Dr. Kaufman is another doctor at the hospital who is a bit skeptical of Dr. Sayer’s approach. He’s more traditional and cautious, but he eventually comes to see the positive changes happening in the patients and supports Dr. Sayer’s efforts. 
4. Mrs. Lowe (Played by Ruth Gloria Nelson) : Mrs. Lowe is Leonard’s mother. She’s been taking care of him all these years while he’s been in a catatonic state. She’s overwhelmed with emotions when her son starts to wake up and become more like his old self. 
5. Lucy Fishman (Played by Alice Drummond): Lucy is another patient who starts to wake up thanks to the new medication. She’s a sweet and elderly lady who finds joy in simple things. Her transformation is heartwarming to watch. 
6. Eleanor Costello (Played by Julie Kavner): Miriam is a nurse who works with Dr. Sayer. She supports his innovative ideas and helps him with the patients. She also develops a close connection with Leonard as he starts to come back to life. 
The movie explores themes of hope, resilience, and the power of human connection. It shows how medical advancements and the care of dedicated individuals can make a huge difference in people’s lives, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Awakenings (youtube) trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7exeVt7CaE4