Film Review: The NeverEnding Story
Young Boy Finds Solace in Magical Realm Called Fantasia
May 28, 2009
A young boy named Bastian who is upset about the recent death of his mother is also struggling with boredom and school bullies. His father is disappointed in him and sternly reprimands the youngster for daydreaming. To avoid being pummeled on the way to school he ducks into a small bookshop. Luckily for him books are his only escape. When the owner is distracted by a phone call he steals an unusual looking book so he'll have something to read in school.
Bastian dives into the story and is mesmerized by the tale that unfolds before his eyes. Little does he know that the book is a doorway to a strange land called Fantasia, a world created by human dreams. As he reads on he discovers Fantasia is on the brink of destruction and, ultimately, he is the only one who can save it.
Fantasia and the Inhabitants
A powerful force called the Nothing is destroying Fantasia. On the terrace of the Ivory Tower, a large group gathers to ask the Empress for help. Alas, she is gravely ill and can do nothing. A young warrior boy named Atreyu is the only one who might be able to do something. He has no swords, daggers or magical potions to aid him on his quest, only a golden amulet of intertwining serpents, the Auryn. He sets off with his horse, Artax, to find a cure.
Along the way he meets an assortment of peculiar creatures who try to direct him closer to those who can give him the answers he needs. There's a huge turtle-like oracle, a pair of benevolent elves and a large, white luck dragon named Falkor, who becomes Atreyu's companion after the boy loses Artax in the Swamps of Sadness. Atreyu almost drowns himself and is rescued by Falkor just in time.
Bastian and His Connection to the Story
It soon becomes clear he is not only reading the story, but controlling the fate of Fantasia itself. Atreyu and Bastian are in essence making the same kind of journey together. The Empress needs a new name and this can only be done by a human child. Bastian pops into the book and completes this task. In return for this service the Empress gives him the power of unlimited wishes. His first wish is to rebuild Fantasia.
The Moral of the Story
This film can strike a powerful nostalgic chord in those who saw it more than twenty years ago. Highlighting the innocence of childhood as well as how difficult it can be to grow up in such an unforgiving world, the core message emphasizes the importance of dreams and courage.
Another key point about the movie is that nobody should give in to apathy, boredom, hopelessness and despair. That's what causes the Nothing in the first place.
The elements of the film fit together nicely, and the special effects aren't bad when considering that it was made in the '80s. With a young hero who must put the pieces of an almost unsolvable puzzle together within a short time, a magical talisman and a few helpful characters that pop up every now and again, there are never any dull moments.
Those who didn't see it when it was new might not appreciate its allure. But for those people who did, take the journey again and recapture the magic. Remember what it was like to be a kid.
Cast: Noah Hathaway, Barrett Oliver, Tami Stronach, Gerald McRaney, Thomas Hill.
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
Cinematic release date: July 20, 1984
Approximate running time of DVD: 102 minutes
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