7) Awakenings (1990)
This touching drama is based on the true story of British neurologist Oliver Sacks who, in the summer of 1969, discovered the positive effects of the drug L-Dopa on catatonic patients who survived the 1917-28 epidemic of encephalitis lethargica.
Robin Williams plays his role, working in a mental hospital when a few catatonic patients catch his attention as they show signs of activity, such as catching a thrown ball, hearing music, responding to someone saying their name and feeling human touch. Interested in these stimuli, he works with patient Leonard Lowe (Robert De Niro) and others with doses of the drug and “awakens” them from their catatonic state.
Leonard is given the chance to find himself again after 26 years, and teaches us about the joy, gift, freedom and wonderment of life. However, the drug’s success is only temporary, and after tics start to arise in the patients, they return to catatonia. Although the doctors are not able to keep the patients awake, they are able to show the doctors and nurses in the hospital how to appreciate the little things in life, whether it’s eating a steak, applying makeup or even going to the bathroom all by themselves.
Williams’ heartwarming character is the doctor that gives it his all and never gives up. This Penny Marshall film was nominated for three Academy Awards and Robin Williams was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama.
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