AWAKENINGS

     This is a movie based on a novel written by Dr Oliver Sacks acted by two legendary actor Robbin Williams as Dr Malcolm Sayer and Robert De Niro  Leonard Lowe. In my opinion this movie really have taught me the value of life because there are a lot of people who are catatonic. They are actually unable to lead a normal life as a normal human beings due to immobility and they are dependent on others for everything. So, I realised that when we have the capability to fulfil our need without depending on others but we still complain on small matters that bothers us. Watching this movie made me to have the sense of gratitude towards everything I have.

     Two main characters in this story which are Dr Sayer and Leonard Lowe. The relationship both of them portrayed towards each other was more than a relationship between a doctor and a patient. 

     Another part which was very inspiring was Dr Sayer’s dedication and high motivation towards helping the patients who have been catatonic for long period of time. Dr Sayer also tried to talk to another doctor to actually try to administer a drug called L-Dopa which makes the patient’s condition better. Here I could relate McClelland Learned Needs Theory here to Dr Sayer’s passion towards his job. Need for achievements can be clearly see in Dr Sayer’s character which he has a strong need to set and accomplish challenging goals. Takes calculated risks to accomplish their goals. Dr Sayer took risk when he administers high amount of L-Dopa for Leonard without other doctors knowing. Likes to receive regular feedback on their progress and achievements as we can see from the movie where he waits for the feedbacks from the nurses and fellow doctors. He also often likes to work alone and he do not really mixes with anybody else and even when Eleanor a nurse from the same department as Dr Sayer asked for coffee out and Dr Sayer actually did not go.

In another prospect we can see Leonard’s character after he regained mobility. Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory can be linked to Leonard. Physiological needs and Love and belonging when Leonard fell in love with a young lady who takes care of her father who are in the same hospital. This clearly shows that Leonard tried to fulfil his physiological and love and belonging needs. Next, we can see esteem needs where Leonard tries to be rebellious because he was not treated as a normal person who are able to walk around freely he feels that he was not given respect and not valued by others. This shows that Leonard had inferiority complex in him and he even fought with Dr Sayer who actually gave him a second chance after 30 years to live and feel a normal life again. Leonard also made others in the same detention ward to be rebellious and created an issue. These incidents clearly shows the need of freedom and independence in Leonard.

     The highlight in this movie I found interesting was when all the patients who got up after being administered with the medication. They started to live and enjoy their life as a normal human beings. This will ensure us to value every small fun elements in our life and enjoy every moment with GRATITUDE. In the ending of the movie Dr Sayer also started to value Eleanor’s love towards him.

Awakenings obviously awakens everybody who watches it!