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10

ajkcanadaJul 20, 2013

Amazingly deep actually. A wondrous fantasy that the children in my family got remarkably into. A beautiful and timeless classic as far as we are concerned. Fully recommended!

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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9

sil3nt_nickMar 24, 2013

Enchanting, wondrous and creative for a film during the mid 1980's where technology was somewhat limited. The story line is a bit long, containing some scary images not suited for children, one being a close up of the 'bad guy' of the film,Enchanting, wondrous and creative for a film during the mid 1980's where technology was somewhat limited. The story line is a bit long, containing some scary images not suited for children, one being a close up of the 'bad guy' of the film, known as the "Gmork."… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

MovieLonely94Oct 20, 2010

this fantasy adventure movie kicks a**. it has great character development, awesome visual effects, and beautiful music.

Rating: 10/10

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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10

ILHMJan 31, 2013

THE NEVERENDING STORY is a feat in fantasy filmmaking, truly one of the most incredible fantasy adventures ever made. The imaginative character designs and enchanting environments bring the world of Fantasia to life in amazing detail.THE NEVERENDING STORY is a feat in fantasy filmmaking, truly one of the most incredible fantasy adventures ever made. The imaginative character designs and enchanting environments bring the world of Fantasia to life in amazing detail. Director Wolfgang Petersen employs an astonishing array of special effects, from life-like puppets to matte paintings and miniatures that meld together to give the film an epic look unlike any other. Although it is based in childhood fantasy, the film touches on many darker tones and twisted villains that, along with its haunting score, often make for a frightening viewing experience for younger audiences. A series of meaningful and memorable characters are introduced to fight the forces of darkness, characters who personify the values of courage (found in the brave warrior Atreyu), wisdom (shown by the ancient one, Morla), and valor (as seen in the self-sacrifice made by The Rockbiter and others). In the face of such heroism, the corruptive creature that is attempting to destroy this whimsical world fares no chance. On top of the High Fantasy elements the film possesses, it also delivers a powerful message against the death of imagination at the hands of apathetic parents and their disenchanted children. By frequently breaking the fourth wall, THE NEVERENDING STORY engages young Bastian as well as the viewing audience to enter the world of Fantasia and participate in the events as they unfold on screen right beside Atreyu and his companions, thereby saving all who live within this realm. THE NEVERENDING STORY holds a special place beside other timeless classics like THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE DARK CRYSTAL, and LABYRINTH.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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10

robertoiglesiasJun 18, 2017

The neverending story is a fantastic movie! The characters are so amazing, the plot is well developed, Fantasia is a great world to be in, and the way the story is made is just wonderful. I rate this 10/10. Also, are the other criticsThe neverending story is a fantastic movie! The characters are so amazing, the plot is well developed, Fantasia is a great world to be in, and the way the story is made is just wonderful. I rate this 10/10. Also, are the other critics controlling the Metascore high on something? Because they have given mixed reviews about this.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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6

iffyguyDec 11, 2013

I'm not really sure what to think of this movie. Sure, the effects were 80's era, but whatever. The real reason this confused me was that it felt even more like a Jim Henson acid trip than Labyrinth. I couldn't tell if this was fantasy,I'm not really sure what to think of this movie. Sure, the effects were 80's era, but whatever. The real reason this confused me was that it felt even more like a Jim Henson acid trip than Labyrinth. I couldn't tell if this was fantasy, adventure, drama, or what. The whole sub-plot with the kid having to "rename" the princess? Not needed.

All in all, this movie was a bit confusing, but a fun 80's classic.

My last item: That werewolf-dog thing. Oh Jesus. That was the freakin' scariest thing when I first saw this. Dear God.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

FilipeNetoNov 29, 2020

For me, this is a film that takes me back to my childhood, in the Nineties. It was a film that I watched whenever it was shown on television and therefore, due to the emotional burden of memories, it is difficult to make an impartialFor me, this is a film that takes me back to my childhood, in the Nineties. It was a film that I watched whenever it was shown on television and therefore, due to the emotional burden of memories, it is difficult to make an impartial assessment, but I will do the best I can. I do not know if we can consider this film a classic of recent German cinema, but it is certainly a film that was successful, won cult status and a legion of admirers.

With its own style, it is far from the visual marvels of today's CGI, but it was incredible at the time and it was stupidly expensive to make (it was even the most expensive film ever to be made outside the US and the Soviet Union). The script is based on a part of a fantasy book by Michael Ende and tells how a child, through reading a book, will enter the universe of Fantasia, a place that is threatened by an invisible force called Nothing. I didn't read the original book, but it is public that the film basically ran over it so that the author himself refused to have his name in the initial credits and even demanded that the name of the film be changed. However, despite this, the story is good and is as naive and delicious as it is creative. For a child or teenager, it is a pleasant and funny film. For adults, it depends on how comfortable they feel with this kind of material.

The cast is full of actors who were children at the time and today have either stopped working or almost do not. Barret Oliver gave life to Bastian, the boy who reads the book. He really did a good job and is credible. Noah Hathaway played very well in the role of Atreyu, the protagonist and the main agent in the story that Bastian will read. Equally good was the participation of Tami Stronach, a young Iranian actress who gave life to the role of the Empress, the sweet but wise ruler of Fantasia. The film also features a short and honorable appearance by Thomas Hill as a bookseller.

Technically it is a great film, although limited by the resources and technologies of the time. To our eyes, used to the beauty and realism of CGI, cinematography and effects will seem very dated and there are a series of scenes and fantastic creatures that today even seem too naive and devoid of realism. This is the case of the creature Nighthob, and of some scenes that show the destruction caused by Nothing and that look just like a gale or a very violent storm. When Nothing destroys the Ivory Tower it is quite clear that it is just a set of styrofoam and painted cardboard. Some scenes were also not done and edited in the best way, mainly in the final half of the film: the scene where Bastian gives the Empress a new name is unconvincing and the final duel of Atreyu and Gmork is hurried and anti-climactic. But despite the flaws that really exist, it is a very good film even at a technical level, insofar as it knew how to make good use of what was available: the clouds that announce the presence of Nothing, for example, were very well-made and some creatures, such as the Rock Biters or Falcor, which looks like an adorable giant dog, are iconic. The entire makeup and costume department deserves applause for a job well done, and the construction of the sets was also generally happy. But what many will not forget is the excellent epic soundtrack, including synthesizers and pan flutes, which was composed by Klaus Doldinger, and which for me is better and more cinematic than the song composed for the film by Limahl.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

lasttimeisawJan 25, 2012

I am genuinely underwhelmed by this film, and to tell the truth many adventurous family fantasy films from past decades nearly live up to their fame, the most notorious one is THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987), and now TNS is another competentI am genuinely underwhelmed by this film, and to tell the truth many adventurous family fantasy films from past decades nearly live up to their fame, the most notorious one is THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987), and now TNS is another competent contender (the first three STAR WARS are the scarce exceptions). The film is Petersenâ… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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1

BroyaxJul 18, 2020

Wolfgang Petersen, le réalisateur du fabuleux Bateau a comme qui dirait pété un câble : il s'est mis à torcher en 1984 une niaiserie à chiards ! certes, il faut saluer de jolis effets spéciaux (et non pas numériques...) à une époque où lesWolfgang Petersen, le réalisateur du fabuleux Bateau a comme qui dirait pété un câble : il s'est mis à torcher en 1984 une niaiserie à chiards ! certes, il faut saluer de jolis effets spéciaux (et non pas numériques...) à une époque où les ordinateurs n'étaient que de grosses calculettes, ce qui devait réprésenter un sacré boulot à l'instar des plus gros films de SF de ce temps-là, on s'en doute...

Malheureusement, ça ne sert ici que le propos niaiseux d'un vague conte de fées pour chiards qui chient dans leur bac ou leur benne et cela semble en effet "sans fin" tellement on s'ennuie vite ici... Une grosse bizarrerie donc dans la filmographie d'un réalisateur réputé pour d'autres choses qu'une espèce de fable poussive, ballote et sans génie aucun, loin de là même...… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

JCDec 9, 2007

A great fantasy tale that left a lasting impression. It may pale in comparison to children's movies today, but it was way ahead of its time back in 1984.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

7

gracjanskiJan 1, 2021

The fantasy world they created is amazing: creative creatures, different worlds. The story is also interesting.

But the scenes from the real world are a just average. In addition you need to know, that this movie is for teenies, not so muchThe fantasy world they created is amazing: creative creatures, different worlds. The story is also interesting.

But the scenes from the real world are a just average. In addition you need to know, that this movie is for teenies, not so much for adults.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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10

Kai82Oct 10, 2020

A modern fantasy fairy tale based on the book of the same name by German author Michael Ende. It is a pretty faithful and loyal adaption of the first half of the book. Don't worry it is not open ended and you will even not notice that thereA modern fantasy fairy tale based on the book of the same name by German author Michael Ende. It is a pretty faithful and loyal adaption of the first half of the book. Don't worry it is not open ended and you will even not notice that there is more to it. Side-note: The sequel is not the other half of the story. It is the story of Bastian Balthasar Bux who is bullied at school and escapes to a book store where he finds “The Neverending Story” book. He starts reading it. This is the story of Atreyu, who is on the quest to save Fantasia which slowly destroyed by the “The Nothing” that devours everything. As the story progresses you learn that there is more to the story than you had imagined. It has a clever story full of fantastic ideas and themes. This is also valid for the characters. I must admit the fail a bit in comparison to the book but this was expected. I wont spoil the twists as it would be a crime. It is one of the best journeys in fantasy. The practical effects were pretty got for its time. The visuals, sets and costumes were pretty good. Remember this is a German production from 1984 and not Hollywood. There is also the excellent soundtrack. Limahls Never Ending Story became a classic that is still played in radio. The rest is a pretty good soundtrack. I must warn you as there is a scene that has traumatized many peoples childhood involving Atreyus horse Artax. Overall a solid adaptation and great movie. Bonus knowledge: The book is even better by a magnitude and I will recommend it. The unfilmed second half has a great story about corruption of power starting with best intentions, true friendship and probably the greatest final battle in fantasy. Think all battles of Lord of the Rings combined and all sides have fantasy creatures like Dragons, Rock-eaters, Centaurs and more on their side. Also both sides think that they are the good guys fighting an evil menace so that neither side can give up and let evil win. The conclusion was so heartwarming that I had tears in my eyes. Michael Ende was a genius author who created also Jim Knopf and Momo. He fought hard to stop this movie but lost. I thing he wanted to stop the sellout of ideas and that people read his books as some things can be well transferred. I think I should thank him here for his awesome works. There are other adaptations for his stories but that is another story;-).… Expand

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10

kyle20ellisMar 28, 2022

The NeverEnding Story is one of my all time favourite movies, it is just so magical. The music is brilliant, and the story is a magical, simple and effective one. The scenery, sets and costumes were visually a feast to the eyes, just gorgeousThe NeverEnding Story is one of my all time favourite movies, it is just so magical. The music is brilliant, and the story is a magical, simple and effective one. The scenery, sets and costumes were visually a feast to the eyes, just gorgeous to look at, and if it didn't get any awards for best art direction, then that is a massive shame, because it was so beautiful to watch. Falcor was a fantastic character, a very warm and loving character, that you just have to love. I have to admit though, Gmork is very scary. The acting is fantastic, Barret Oliver very spirited as Bastian, and Noah Hathaway born to play Atreyu. And Tami Stromach as the Childlike Empress has a small but wholly relevant role in the film. This film is practically perfect in every way and has a wonderful message, don't miss it! The second film's okay, but the third one is god awful and should be in the bottom 100. 10/10 for this though. Bethany Cox… Expand

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7

alejandro970May 7, 2023

I know that this movie has its fans and I understand them. In itself it is not all bad except that its editing was rushed, since only half of the book was adapted, not to mention that some parts are very dark for children. What I have noI know that this movie has its fans and I understand them. In itself it is not all bad except that its editing was rushed, since only half of the book was adapted, not to mention that some parts are very dark for children. What I have no doubt is that Guillermo del Toro (and friends) or the geniuses of Studio Ghibli could improve it.… Expand

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10

WhatthehelldudeJul 8, 2023

One of my earliest fantasy movies. 80s movies just have that "magic" that will live in you forever. Great movie.

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