Awakenings is a 1990 American drama movie set in a psychiatric hospital in 1969 in the Bronx. It is based on Oliver Sacks' 1973 book "Awakenings". It tells the true story of British neurologist Oliver Sacks, fictionalized as American Malcolm Sayer and portrayed by Robin Williams. The movie also stars Robert De Niro, Judith Malina, and Max von Sydow.