Scene from Awakenings (1990)

Scene from Awakenings (1990)

[@kampa96]

When he is looking through the window...on his "life" that is disappearing and there is nothing he can do... the saddest scene in cinema history

[@Tigertail1717]

I rarely cry at movies, but this one always gets me. So touching

[@rafikbaladi6555]

Oh indeed, so much

[@G1GGLY3LM0]

Ight, cool, at least I'm not alone on this. Because let me tell you, never have I cried so hard 🥺💔

[@rm3869]

Same I teared up

[@debbiemetke5938]

Has me blubbering every single time.

[@efrainrosado5923]

thank God we don't suffer in such a way, sometimes we don't appreciate the little things, how sad, great actors, great story, and great film.

[@167kinggam]

@Josh B weirdo

[@andresflores8841]

Mmmm

[@lonnellrobinson7989]

Your right , that is a living hell to be like that , I appreciate that I’m able to live a decent life

[@kieganvallely2037]

Who says the journey is suffering? Asking for a friend ❤💚💙🙏☦

[@alexallan-musicaaovivo500]

The definition of great acting.

[@walterthemusician8741]

Yes. They were all great and this was Robin William's best role. What a sad thing that he won't ever be able to make another film like this one.

[@nelsonegidio6540]

Indeed. Robert De Niro performance💪

[@fabianpatrizio2865]

When she leaves and he's at the window in tears with the piano music playing....it's CRY time :-]

[@vuls81]

Gut wrenching scene

[@lenom1289]

I've seen it about 25 times and I cry every time. I now bring the Kleenex box before starting the movie.

[@walterthemusician8741]

Yes. Every time I see it.

[@NeoNitty]

When I was younger, until now, this movie left a lasting impact on my life.

[@jflsdknf]

The most heart wrenching scene ever, from the way he says "I just wanted to say goodbye", to the look of peace on his face when his tics finally stop for a moment in her arms, while there are pain and tears on her face...then him struggling just to watch her leave through the window. I've never cried watching a movie before this one

[@matthewsimpson-morgan4165]

Same. I cry every time.

[@jamesaldrich2902]

One of the saddest parts of any movie ever created

[@vuls81]

I second that.

[@fernorsol]

I completely agree with you. I am close to crying whenever the movie gets to this point. It touches me deep inside. Maybe I consider that it kind of shows something I'm familiar with .... and I always love when artists (writers, film directors, actors .....) are able to use words, images, etc, that so accurately describe something I feel and maybe I'm even unable to recognize inside me until I read those words o see those images.

[@walterthemusician8741]

Yes. I cry every time I see it.

[@bk6310]

The musical score just adds to the emotion, makes me blubber like a baby

[@jafocharlie848]

I was hoping to see a pan to Dr. Sayer (Robin Williams best role, imo) witnessing what effect on Leonard a simple act of compassion by a woman who took the time and patience for one last dance. Proving, medicine doesn’t always have all the answers. Although a sad scene, it’s actually my favorite. When a movie scene along with its wonderful score can produce an emotion with the audience well then, it’s done its job. Can’t really say this of movies anymore today.

[@matiasmut120]

If you don't cry a little with this scene, you don't have feelings. 2019 and still watching it

[@walterthemusician8741]

I will always look forward to the times when I can see it again. About 30 times so far.

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

cry every time

[@Duckcalculator]

I don’t really understand what’s going on so I’m more confused than anything.

[@tofjip]

When I saw Robert De Niro here... I didn't see Robert De Niro... I saw an actual man fighting for his tics and battling against all odds just to live a normal and happy life... That's true acting

[@sebastianex98]

+TheLumpyHeavy and he didn't win the oscar for this role :( fucking academy

[@christopher2013]

No one is better in acting than ROBERT DE NIRO!

[@ankihansen2489]

TheLumpyHeavy I see Vito Corleone suffering... :(

[@mohammedghattas1842]

fockthisguy Al pacino

[@kirag3637]

The moment then he looked out the window made me cry so much. I have never seen a moment sadder than this in a movie, it's just unbearable how sad it is.

[@rr7firefly]

+Kira -- ditto for me.

[@zacknorton3087]

The part that did it for me was when his mom put a diaper on him after the meds wore off and he went back to where he was before.

[@vuls81]

Layer this memorable scene with Dexters theme, damn this is heart breaking.

[@walterthemusician8741]

@@rr7firefly Yes. And when he leaves the building at the end and asks his nurse to go for a cup of coffee. One of the saddest and most uplifting movies ever. A wonderful lift for the spirits in these hateful times.

[@rr7firefly]

@@walterthemusician8741 It's quite a movie. My college friend Cathy moved to L.A. and has worked in movies and television for years. One day at the Farmer's Market (Fairfax Ave) she introduced me to someone from the movie industry. It was Steven Zaillian, who wrote the screenplay for "Awakenings." He told us what it was like working with Penny Marshall, who directed the movie. I was dumbstruck when I saw him on TV accepting the Oscar for "Schindler's List."

[@debbiemetke5938]

Realize that Randy Newman's beautiful music enhances what is already a devastatingly beautiful scene.

[@fender.tone.63]

I don’t know if Penelope Ann Miller gets enough credit for her role in this movie, but her reading Leonard’s eyes in anticipation of what he’s about to say, and her response to his ending their relationship is absolutely understated emotion…you can hear her heart drop.

[@superkilometricoboom]

His gaze is, from the passing of bars, so exhausted, that it doesn't hold a thing anymore. For him, it's as if there were thousands of bars, and behind the thousands of bars, no world. The sure stride of lithe, powerful steps, that around the smallest of circles turns, is like a dance of pure energy about a centre, in which a great will stands, numbed.

[@asmrshortclips]

this scene or the movie itself never failed to make me cry

[@walterthemusician8741]

Yes. and the last scene when he runs out the building to ask his nurse is she'd go out with him for a cup of coffee. Both had felt so lonely and now they both have new hope.

[@aleksandar.tasevski]

Same here... 😪

[@smchooch]

I do not cry often but i shed a tear on this scene everytime i rewatch it

[@tatATA6707]

お正月の早朝5時頃にテレビの新春ロードショーを見て、改めて感動しました。

[@MrPajolla]

This movie makes me realize that the beauty of life is in the little things like go out to walk and talk to people.

[@vuls81]

Looking out the window, coupled with the music score just adds to the beauty and sadness of this scene

[@bk6310]

Yes the music score is what really makes you blubber!

[@serkanatay5331]

The most romantic scene ever for me. The indescribable healing of love...

[@Fattomz]

I cry every time I see that part. Excellent movie.

[@TheWhiteIan]

The guy playing the piano is Dexter Gordon, one of the greatest jazz SAXOPHONISTS of all time

[@MrHartApart]

this feeling... this would be anguish... the longing to be with someone; and the absolute impotence to be able to.

[@rocknjimmy]

Oh if i could copy and paste your comment, excellent!

[@chrismagnussen4304]

He got just a brief taste, and wanted to savor as much as he could one, last time. All the way to watching the bus pull away, an analogue of the life he knew he could not have.. watching it fade out of view, then turning to concede his fate, all the while maintaining his dignity against all odds. Tragic beauty, masterfully created. Wow, just wow. Still moves me over 30 years later.

[@hiroyaa5284]

I can’t forget this scene. I’ve seen a lot of movies, but this one makes me feel moved every time.

[@ocdave8893]

Another reminder for me, of how lucky & truly blessed I am & a reminder to live life now. Not dwelling on the past, or thinking about the future. Now is all that matters. Everyone wants to be happy, hopefully one day we all can. Live. Laugh. Love.

[@njc2107]

Such a highly underrated film. One of my favorites to this day.

[@kbaer3038]

I have a feeling he was wishing the dance would NEVER end.❤

[@virgilacevedo]

I always cry when I see this scene. The power of love. For a short moment he was at peace when was dancing with Penelope. This is the top ten of my favorite movies. Robert De Niro, a great actor.

[@Morder1990]

The best scen from this move... De Niro the best actor for me,no one can play like he

[@BekaBB]

Robert De Niro is God... Dustin Hoffman too! :)

[@vuls81]

Denzel Washington might disagree....

[@Gma00001]

A Gaddis Hahahha Denzel is good but De Niro is the goat

[@mysticmix]

Very touching scene, I really loved how he was able to calm himself when he was dancing with the woman.

[@michaelshea8647]

anyone else have to cancel all their plans for the next couple of days because they watched this and now cannot stop crying hysterically? ...Asking for a friend

[@ricoinsane1930]

I love how everyone just sat there and watched a beautiful act of kindness from the young lady and the music was so soulful, what a beautiful scene!!!😢❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@aliciaalva4681]

The way she didn’t let go his hand 🥲

[@83DCB]

Stumbled on this movie recently. I think it’s the best movie I’ve ever seen and I’m a tough critic. I’ve always said a good movie should make you feel something. I felt to sad after and cried throughout the movie. Especially this scene. Amazing amazing amazing

[@amjh4lah809]

This scene. That music. Tears.

[@RickOnTheDrums]

IMHO....this was the best role Robin Williams ever played.

[@practicaldreamyr]

+Rick OnTheDrums Totally agree. This film was so intimate and we were allowed to see a vulnerable side of Robin we didn't have the chance to see in his typical over-the-top roles.

[@frederikthaysen6931]

You should watch Patch Adams then. That is a masterpiece, and even better than this performance - even though this is materfully portrayed as well. He is my favourite actor of all time!

[@ankihansen2489]

Rick OnTheDrums I disagree, in my opinion it was the professor from Dead Poets Society.

[@Jared_Wignall]

His performance in Good Will Hunting will always be the best role he was in to me.

[@vuls81]

When Robin passed, a lot of my friends were totally unaware of this movie. As much as I have loved him in other movies, this was my favorite for Robin Williams.

[@mlo5696]

I watched this film, didn’t want to blink, I never cry watching films. But I balled my eyes out watching this. My mam said “watch it it’s brilliant, and it’s sad it’s based on a true film, I cried” I said I never cry watching movies. Cruel cruel cruel. Absolutely fantastic movie. Just can’t believe it was true, broke my heart in two He only wanted to live. Not just a normal life. Just live. The outcome of the study was heart wrenching, It was brill because they came to life. But sad that they had to more or less die all over again .

[@joker0409ki]

良かった・・・。生きてうちに見れて本当に良かった・・・。言葉では表現できない。

[@bugalooanzal4564]

That scene from De Niro had me in tears man!

[@bellaru8265]

撮影に関して、女優が流す１滴の涙のために何回も何時間も撮影が行われたように感じる。 デ・ニーロはもちろん素敵だが、女優と監督の熱意がたった数秒の間に凝縮している ように思えます。すばらしい映画です。

[@humphreygruntwhistle3946]

Exactly! I was going to say the same thing. You beat me to it.

[@bellaru8265]

thank you! I am so happy to share the same thoughts with you! ! !

[@Yu.96dec]

One of the beautiful scenes in movie history

[@リンヤマ]

I learned a lot from watching this movie. I was able to apply what I learned to my work. It's a really good movie.

[@tyme4mike]

I cry every time..the same with scenes from Lorenzo's Oil, Forrest Gump(when Jenny dies and Hanks is talking to her at her graveside), and so many others. Let the tears flow, I find they remind me that I'm human..

[@lenii1235]

One of the best movies ever made

[@walterthemusician8741]

Yes!

[@bcb2555]

this might be one of the greatest scenes ever this is what love is

[@virgilacevedo]

I have seen many actors in my life but no one can heart strings like Robert De Niro. He is a master performer in my opinion. I am to be living in this era and having the chance to witness acting career.

[@josemedeiros007]

Great movie, I just watched for the first time on Pluto TV. It is such a heart warming film, Robert De Niro and Robin Williams were fantastic in it.

[@justa1098]

I've lost track of how many times I've watched this scene over the years. It never fails to make my shed a tear. The first few notes and I'm done.

[@bajovato]

Amazing scene. Touching...... Human....

[@adamrobinette6832]

Such a heartbreaking scene. I thought it was so amazing that she kept coming back to read to him after he had gone totally back to his original state.

[@christopher2013]

"i want to say goodbye" this was ...heartbreaking!

[@waveali5620]

Damn @ 3:28 when he is watching her leave not going to lie had to fake like I had to use the john. Was about to cry in front of the wifey. Awakenings is a very under appreciated film.

[@walterthemusician8741]

Yes. And also at the end when Robin runs out of the building to catch his nurse and ask her if she'd like to go get a cup of coffee. They had both been so lonely.

[@deLOCOSHOW]

I remember seeing this in the theatre when it was initially released. I “ugly-cried” at the end so hard. Such a poignant and beautiful scene. I still get choked up at this scene 30+ years later.

[@benhousten1211]

I haven't looked at all 66 (so far) comments, so maybe someone else has already made note of this. The man playing the piano near the end of this scene is jazz legend Dexter Gordon, very frail. He died before the movie was released.

[@fernorsol]

Ben Housten , thanks a lot for your information

[@M4NU3L3T3]

Love is more powerful than any drug

[@SMP1993]

I first saw this movie in 9th grade English Class. It has stuck with me ever since, and to this day I can’t get through it without having to pause it to wipe the tears out of my eyes during this scene. An acting masterclass, and one of the most under appreciated films of the 20th century.

[@EST-1977]

Oh my, I'm gonna cry again😭❤️😌! This part is soooo beautiful...it hurts! She is an amazing woman/soul and he is the greatest actor ever! Thank u both for your art👍🏽👍🏽

[@A-Gut-of-the-Past]

Oh, this scene...what a crusher.

[@soyfemboy]

A heartbreaking scene ㅠㅠ

[@ReadingRambo152]

Randy Newman wrote the perfect piece for this scene. This scene crushes me every time.

[@JeanAriaMouy]

best robin williams movie. and one of| the best de niro performance in such a great career....

[@matthewsimpson-morgan4165]

One of the most moving scenes I know of. Always makes me cry.

[@DeSantiagoDavid]

Beautiful scene from a beautiful film.

[@o.portista]

What a great but sad movie, done by two legendary actors. This film was said to be Williams top favourite film he enjoyed being apart of, same thing for De Niro. The film literally touches your heart, and teaches you the value of life and how many people take it for granted. God bless Williams and Oliver Sacks. Two heros in a better place now. It's also amazing how Williams a few years later would battle a similar brain trauma/disease. Theres no words that can fully describe this movie. Astonishing. I could say the part that hit me the most was when Leonard had said he couldn't read anymore, and how he told his lover that it was his final time seeing her, like holy there is so much that could be said about the film, just you can't describe it, you can only see the film for yourself. God bless Williams, Sacks and all those patients who had suffered, and battled. Legends. Such an under-rated film. 7.27.2020

[@albertogreco2183]

Non riesco a non piangere....

[@michellajeunesse3232]

how did he not win a oscar for this ?

[@shaurya6601]

Michel Lajeunesse Jeremy Irons was the winner that year. But even though I love Irons. De Niro was far superior.

[@romariovasco78]

@juneaug Lok I think his last Oscar was 1980 ,39 years ago . Just wondering in 39 years De niro didnt make any good movie to win ?? Other example Tom Hanks, he won the Oscar 94 and 95 and after that he didnt win anything .

[@marijanbrkic4875]

He should have won at least 4 Oscars so far.

[@adamwong2229]

Oscar dont deserved Robert de Niro its can go fuck itself

[@walterthemusician8741]

De Niro is one of the best actors of all time. The Academy Award choosers know that. I haven't checked, but Robin Williams in this film only was way better. Robin should have won the Award that year. He did so many films where he repeated his comedy skits till it was too much. He was superb in Awakenings.

[@Backyardmech1]

At 3:40 you see a mans heart breaking. This movie is a gem with pure gold acting.

[@paganviodio]

if de niro dont get for this role the Oscar, then you ask yourself which role could be more difficult than this one?

[@Jared_Wignall]

paganviodio you haven’t seen Jeremy Irons in Reversal of Fortune have you?

[@walterthemusician8741]

De Niro is a genius actor.

[@Gma00001]

@@Jared_Wignall I have. Laughable the fact that he won an Oscar

[@MrPajolla]

Best movie of my life. Cheers from Brazil

[@tomwilson42]

Life is a vapor. Make each moment count. Live beyond circumstances. There are many barriers people feel and this scene brings that out in some.

[@bk6310]

In my opinion the saddest most emotional scene in any movie. Makes me cry every time

[@mochuisle9030]

.... love .... thats it... no words needed

[@delrey874]

This movie made me cry... 😭 Thank you Robin and De Niro 🙏

[@patrickfalzone4190]

Can't imagine what it's like to live with something this debilitating and to act it out must be quite hard also. DeNiro nailed such a this role and I will never forget this movie. Stuff like this won't happen very often in films here today. Thank you Randy Newman and Penny Marshall! Such an outstanding job with this scene! It forced out the tears of true emotion that great films, actors and actresses tend to do

[@ricoinsane1930]

This is why Robert is the greatest actor who ever live!!!!

[@hiroyaa5284]

the best movie scene ever

[@ProjectCreativityGuy96]

The most heartbreaking films I've seen, are... Awakenings, The Green Mile, and Life As A House! There are many other films that have heartbreaking scenes in them, but don't really come under the same category as these films!

[@twmp3985]

So deep and sad, this scene is as beautiful as it is moving. Poor Leonard, let's hope God granted him an eternal dance with the angels. RIP 😥

[@davidscott1052]

wonderful scene cinema at its best...but let's spare a thought for the great Dexter Gordon playing the piano ...he died soon after this..

[@Ph3nomen0N]

This tears me up every time

[@Squimmm]

This is a soul crushing scene.

[@tiptip1771]

Vi mil veces esta pelicula impresionante

[@木下佑真]

I just cry every time I watch the dance....

[@LeonVerhulst]

Me too.

[@샐러맨더-w1z]

So do I

[@ronshort7820]

What makes this scene even more heartbreaking is the fact that at least some of the patients realise that a similar fate awaits them with time. Maybe day. Maybe weeks, but certainly not months.

[@asqs29]

oh my god, so sad

[@ben282828]

This scene gets me every single time 🥺

[@yellowlynx]

I watched that when I still believed in God.... and after 30 years and becoming non-religious, this scene still invokes so much feelings and touched me - because suffering is so big a part of our existence....

[@YZ3_580]

I absolutely LOATHE De Niro. But I cannot deny that he is truly brilliant in this scene.

[@matttoy617]

As soon as that note hits, the years just come out💔

[@yakupgokyildiz3917]

this scene makes me cry whenever i watch

[@storminboy]

What an underrated movie!!

[@hollycollins1840]

Cried like a baby 😭💔

[@ianbest4866]

Makes me tear up every time 😢

[@derekpratte7259]

Not a De Niro fan but he is brilliant here.

[@polzol1748]

heart-breaking scene (and movie) from the golden age of movie... (I miss you a lot..)

[@gaston55555]

Totally underrated movie

[@jshdhdyjfjdjfhfyyene731]

And real life persons

[@MichaelEngeldinger]

it’s hard to leave your comfort zone , I think we’re all like that , at least in some ways . Just like in a war when you save an enemies life and you never see them again 😢

[@GAWenzler]

A hard movie to see, emotionally. A stunning movie, and a stunning scene. DeNiro and Miller were wonderful in it, but I give Penny Marshall as much credit. I've always considered this scene to be the saddest in the history of film. Despite what artistic licenses the screenplay writer (Steven Zaillian) and director (Penny Marshall) took here, it isn't much of a leap to think that Leonard must've struggled with the life he lost, loves unfulfilled, and the realization as he regressed back into darkness that he would have to go through those losses a second time. It must have been emotionally exhausting for the actors and those present when this scene was done. This remains my single favorite motion picture, although I'm not sure exactly why. Probably because I was unaware of the story when I viewed it for the first time. I've seen it a dozen times, and still breakdown at this scene, and am left with a profound sadness at the end. Awakenings has been somewhat forgotten as years go past, which I find odd for something that gained a nomination for Best Picture. It sniffed BluRay, but it's been years since you could get a copy on BluRay, it's been out of print since it's first run. I'd love to see this come out on 4K BluRay, with an additional Special Features disc.

[@MrPajolla]

Best movie of my life. Cheers from Brazil

[@martinoregan3028]

Heartbreking