There is no such thing as a simple miracle.

Starring: Robert DeNiro, Robin Williams, Penelope A. Miller, Julie Kavner, John Heard, Max Von Sydow, Vincent Pastore, Ruth Nelson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Hello. My name is Leonard Lowe. It has been explained to me that I've been away for quite some time. I'm... back." - Leonard Lowe

Why watch this? It was an unlikely pairing of stars, but they make the most of it.

Plot Summary: Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a neurologist who specializes on patients in a catatonic state due to a rare disease. He believes the drug L-DOPA, used for Parkinson's disease, can help "awaken" them. Sayer begins a trial with Leonard Lowe, one of his patients, and it leads to remarkable results for Leonard and a chance to help other patients.

Dad's Preview: This is a quiet, wonderful, and deeply sad film about an experimental drug that literally awakens patients who are lost in a catatonic state. Williams proves he's more than a comedic actor in a role played completely without his usual zaniness. De Niro, a determined method actor, is excellent as the patient Leonard, suddenly wide-eyed and aware. He can talk, smile, interact, even have feelings of love. The ending will break your heart, but the film is still worth watching.

Lasker/Parkes Productions; Columbia Pictures