"The Neverending Story" is a fascinating fantasy film with a firm hold in popular culture. Released in 1984, this movie continues to enchant new generations of children while those who grew up with it still hold it dear to their hearts.
The premise of a seemingly unimportant little boy who has the power to save a whole other world is a strong one. Many people wish they had this power when they were younger, and because Bastiandoes have this power in the film, viewers easily take to him. It is hard to see the negative things which Bastian is going through in the beginning of this film, but it is all justified in the end.
PLOT
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As Bastian reads a book entitled "The Neverending Story", he finds himself more involved than he could have ever imagined. The story is one of a fantasy world called Fantasia which is ruled by the Childlike Empress. Fantasia is the vast home to various creatures such as Rock Biters--monsters made of rock, Night Hobs who travel by bat, racing snails, and a host of other odd creatures.
As Bastian reads, he follows the quest of the warrior boy Atreyu. Atreyu is the only hope for Fantasia to survive against its nemesis, The Nothing. The Nothing is a vast emptiness that destroys everything in its path. This is due to mankind losing their hopes and dreams, as the land of Fantasia is made up man's imagination and wishes. The unseen force behind The Nothing has sent out a servant, Gmork, to destroy Atreyu.
Atreyu faces many obstacles and trials on his way to find a cure for the Empress. He is helped out in some ways thanks to Falkor the Luckdragon. After his quest is completed, ties between he and Bastian are shown to be stronger than ever thought possible, and Bastian finds himself with an amazing responsibility and opportunity.
CHARACTERS
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"The Neverending Story" is quite unforgettable, thanks to several factors. First, there are the characters. Any boy who has ever suffered bullies or math tests will strongly identify with Bastian, as can girls, as well. Atreyu is a boy full of determination who will not let anything stand in his way. The Childlike Empress is sweet and gentle as can be--you are sympathetic to her at once. Falkor is extremely loveable, and, on the other end of the spectrum, the evil Gmork (a monstrous wolf) is easily feared and hated.
The Nothing--a character in itself--adds a special element to the film. As a bodiless entity, it poses the worst threat imaginable to Fantasia and also shows just cause to be greatly feared. Great, dark, swirling clouds and a force strong enough to uproot gigantic trees and rocks with no concern for anything, it is indeed one of the most frightening ideas in all of cinema.
MUSIC
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The music is wonderful. The title song sung over both the beginning and end credits is a classic '80s song, which actually fits rather well to the fantasy setting. The underscore for the film itself is nicely subtle, yet also strongly dramatic when called for.
SPECIAL EFFECTS
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The special effects are beyond surpassable. The creatures are a marvel to witness, from ancient, gigantic turtles to enormous sphinxes, to everything in between. Each being is carried off effortlessly by the film crew, and they are all therefore totally believable. The scenes of the Southern Oracle and the return to the Ivory Tower are exquisite and beautiful.
Sixteen years later, "The Neverending Story" enjoys a strong following today, and it is easy to see why. As one of the best fantasy films ever, it will always be remembered as a classic for anyone who loves to imagine.
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