Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro star in this drama based on a book written by Dr. Oliver Sacks. Set in 1969, and based on a true story, "Awakenings" tells the story of a research neurologist, Dr. Sayer (Williams), who one day finds himself out of a job, and decides to accept a position diagnosing and treating patients.

The movie has an interesting resolution for each of its conflicts, and good acting by DeNiro and Williams make this somewhat slow-moving story roll fluidly. A good movie for anyone interested in medicine as a career for its altruistic benefits, and a sweet story for people who do not like super-happy endings, "Awakenings" has a place among quality films about disabled, crippled, or generally sick people, such as "My Left Foot," "Terms of Endearment," "Dominick and Eugene," and "Children of a Lesser God." n