The NeverEnding Story
The NeverEnding Story

The NeverEnding Story

1984Movie97 minGerman

While hiding from bullies in his school's attic, a young boy discovers the extraordinary land of Fantasia, through a magical book called The Neverending Story. The book tells the tale of Atreyu, a young warrior who, with the help of a luck dragon named Falkor, must save Fantasia from the destruction of The Nothing.

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Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes81%
Metacritic51/100
Google Users86%
Director: Wolfgang PetersenGenres: Adventure, Family, Fantasy

Plot Summary

A lonely boy named Bastian discovers a mysterious book that tells the tale of Fantastica, a magical land threatened by a force called The Nothing. As he reads, he becomes drawn into the story, realizing that the fate of Fantastica and its inhabitants rests on his imagination. He must find the courage to believe in the story and save the land from eternal oblivion.

Critical Reception

The NeverEnding Story was a commercial success and is generally well-regarded for its imaginative visuals, emotional depth, and groundbreaking special effects for its time. While some critics found its narrative somewhat disjointed, it has become a beloved fantasy classic, particularly for those who grew up with it.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its enchanting fantasy world and ambitious visual effects.
  • Appreciated for its heartfelt story and the emotional journey of the protagonist.
  • Some critics noted a less coherent plot progression in the latter half.

Google audience: Audiences generally love the film's imaginative world and its ability to transport viewers into a magical realm. Many fondly remember its iconic characters and memorable soundtrack, considering it a cherished childhood favorite.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Saturn Awards for Best Fantasy Film and Best Young Actor (Noah Hathaway). Won the Golden Screen Award in Germany.

Fun Fact

The unique design of the mythical creature Falkor was inspired by a combination of a Chinese dragon and a dog, with the animatronic model being one of the most complex ever built at the time.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

A fantasy flick of real quality! I got to watch this at the cinema thanks to its release as part of its 40th anniversary, the second movie I've seen re-released on the big screen after <em>'Trainspotting'</em> back in May. That Danny Boy...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I remember seeing this film when I was young - spurred on by the Limahl theme song that was in the charts at the time, and rather enjoying it. Based on just the first half of Michael Ende's original novel, it's a gentle fantasy tale of a yo...