Awakenings

In 1969, Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams), a dedicated and caring physician, discovers the beneficial effects of the drug L-DOPA on catatonic patients who survived the 1919–1930 epidemic of encephalitis lethargica. Patient Leonard Lowe (Robert De Niro), initially unmoved by stimuli that awaken other patients, begins to communicate with Dr. Sayer using a Ouija board and becomes romantically interested in Paula, the daughter of another hospital patient. As Leonard's awakening inspires hope in Dr. Sayer and others, the effects of the drug prove only temporary, leading to a decline in his condition. Despite this, Dr. Sayer grows from the experience and finally overcomes his shyness, as does the staff, who now treats patients with greater empathy and dignity.