The Neverending Story

The Neverending Story (1984)
AKA - Unendliche Geschichte, Die
Seen on DVD 16th July 2008

Can you think of a better time than my birthday to review
THE GREATEST FILM OF ALL TIME ?
No, i can't either.

I honestly beleive that The Neverending Story should be compulsary viewing for ALL children. They should work it into the school curriculum or something. It will honestly change the lives of children everywhere! While i discuss it being viewed by children, i also have to say it isn't a movie that only kids will enjoy. Adults should relish in it... it's amazing... there are so many layers to this movie. From the simple message of beleiving in something something special, and magical... to the philosophical concepts brought up by Morla the ancient one... and the Southern Oracle.

Not to mention... G'Mork



So, i guess i should get to my rating system.
I could RANT and RANT about this movie FOREVER.

STORY: 7/7 - (who are you really?)
- "In the beginning it's always dark"
While hiding from three bullies (one of which is played by Drum Garrett - sweet name) in a bookstore, Bastian notices a large book with an interesting symbol on the front. Mr Koreander, the owner of the bookstore, explains to him that "Your books are safe. While you're reading them, you get to become Tarzan or Robinson Crusoe... ...but afterwards you get to be a little boy again." Bastian steals the book, promising to return it, and takes it to school, where he hides in the attick to read. (avoiding a... "maths test! oh no!")

When reading Bastian discovers an AMAZING world full of mystical creatures. Unfortunately this world - FANTASIA - is in trouble. THE NOTHING is slowly destroying everything. Bastian must follow Atreyu: The Warrior on his travels to save the Child-Like Empress, and Fantasia from complete destruction.

A compelling and moving story which sometimes takes EXTREMELY unexpected turns.
From the absolute joy of watching Atreyu ride triumphantly through the plains... to the absolute horror of the Swamps of Sadness, (*pictured) or the Rockbiter, left alone on the beach by the Sea of Possibilities

*The Swamps Of Sadness - Artax and Atreyu



ACTING: 7/7 - (why don't you do what you dream?)
Even if everyone else in this movie had the talent of Shelley Duvall (that's not much at all) it would still get a rating of seven, purely for Tami Stronach. This girl is one of the most brilliant child actors i have ever seen. Granted, i don't know her from anything else BUT the Neverending Story, but if you have seen her portrayal of the Child-Like Empress you would completely understand.

She is the saddest little girl in the world... with eyes that can SCREAM, while still carrying herself as a royal and beautiful young woman.
When she calls for your help, i can promise that you will feel it!




CINEMATOGRAPHY / VISUAL EFFECTS: 7/7 - (The Ivory Tower)
This movie is visually STUNNING. Absolutely magical, in every way. Despite being made WAY BACK in the yester-year when digital effects weren't what they are now... this films "magical elements" are more believable than in most movies. I assume it's because they're all actually THERE. Puppetry is awesome. The G'Mork lurches forward towards Atreyu... Falkor lifts Atreyu into the sky... Teeny Weeny really rides that racing snail.

SCORE / SOUND: 7/7 - (the neverending stooooooory)
Giorgio Moroder and Klaus Dolinger teamed up for this wonderful score. It's very synth based, which could go soooooo wrong, but the pair manage to make truly inspiring music out of their instruments. The highs will have you on the edge of your seat, and the lows will have you tears!!

Limahl does a pretty wonderful job on the oh-so-recognisable theme song too!!

SONGS: N/A - (Well, i JUST mentioned Limahl there ^^)



OVERALL RATING: 7/7 - (heck... 164/7 it's the best film EVER of ALL TIME!)


interesting facts -
- The same person voices G'Mork and Falkor and the Narrator
- This interesting because G'Mork and Falkor are opposite extremes
- Limahl is the lead singer from Kajagoogoo
- Tami Stronach is now a dancer
- It was SO hot during film that the Ivory Tower models melted.
- This is the BEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME!!
- There's possibly only one more movie that i can think of which will score a "prefect rating" on my scale.